Old Marlburian Football Club

The 2017/2018 Arthurian League season proved to be the most challenging yet for the Old Marlburian Football Club. The league is now more competitive than ever with it now consisting of five separate divisions and the OMFC were to spend their third consecutive season in the top flight.

The season got off to an almost perfect start with an opening day draw against Shrewsbury, followed by a win over King’s Wimbledon with Alex Middleton (C1 2004-09) opening his account for the season with a second half winner.

The same central midfield of Ben Walters (SU 2005-10), Alexander Walters (SU 2007-12), Brad Miles (TU 2005-10) and George Brown (BH 2002-07) continued to combine aggression and tactical awareness, and Sam Garel-Jones (BH 2007-12) was the new addition to a defence of Joe Hare (C3 1999-2004), Nick Horowitz (C3 2002-07) and Cam Wimble (C2 2006-11). Tom Cowper-Coles (SU 2007-12) and Harry von Behr (B1 2001-06) shared the no.1 jersey and up front the skill and pace of Alex Azis (CO 2004-09), Niall Alcock (C2 1999-2004), Alex Middleton and Joel Hughes (C3 1999-2004) made up the core squad.

Unfortunately, what followed was possibly our worst run to date, leaving us at the root of the table for the the rest of the season. Luck was certainly not on our side as 6 of our 12 losses were settled by a 1 goal margin. This included our match vs Eton, played on the athletics track at Marlborough to celebrate 175 years of the school. We took the lead in the second half through Cam Gordon and Joel Hughes, before conceding a last minute penalty and losing the game 3-2.

Other very close games included narrowly losing 2-1 away in Essex to the eventual champions, Foresters, and losing by the same scoreline to Tonbridge, this year’s cup champions. Despite playing attractive, possession-based football, it was just not our season.

Tom Phillips (PR 2001-06), Ed Kilbee (C2 2001-06), Jo Ridley (C2 2001-06), Tom Davies (C3 2005-10), Ed Siddeley (C2 2007-12), Henry Hatherley (TU 2007-12), George Blakey (C2 2006-11) and James Archer (C3 2003-08) all played their part in a season in which we played some of our best football to date at times, but ultimately could not do enough to stay in the Premier League. You can be sure that we will be back next season in Division One, looking to bounce back stronger.

As always, we are on the look out for new players. If you are a keen and committed footballer reading this, I urge you to put your services forward and get in touch at: omfc.management@gmail.com

Captain
Ben Walters (SU 2005-10)
ben_walters49@hotmail.co.uk

OMFC finished their season with another fine away victory over Westminster 1st XI on Saturday 21st March.

A long hard season has drawn to a close with the team taking 40 points from a possible 54 having secured promotion the previous week. A total of 26 games were played over the course of the campaign which highlights the level of commitment required for a successful season.

The OMs look totally disjointed for the opening half an hour. An unorganised warm-up, including Alex Azis (LI 2006-10) smashing a shot at Harry von Behr (B1 2001-06) from six-yards and breaking his wrist, was not best preparation to face a Westminster team desperate to avoid relegation.

With promotion already secured, there was a touch of complacency within the OM ranks. With Harry Bristow (C3 1999-04) deputising with aplomb for the injured von Behr, the OMs looked comfortable as the back without really offering a threat going forward. Joe Hare (C3 1999-04) and Nick Horowitz (C3 2002-07) marshalled well but a lack of movement saw the OMs lack any real fluidity with few openings for either side.

The OMs came out in the second half with a point to prove. An improved tempo and work ethic saw Harry Harvey (C3 1998-2003) over-hit his cross which inadvertently rebounded off the crossbar and landed at Jack Webb’s (C1 1991-96) feet. He could hardly miss from five-yards out and he stabbed the ball home. A second goal quickly followed. A neat move down the right saw Azis through on goal and he swiftly curled home with his left (and unfavoured!) foot.

Westminster soon hit back. Whilst never looking like grabbing a goal, a mix up at the back saw Horowitz agonizingly put the ball into his own net. Westminster’s tails were up but only for a moment as James Allan’s (C3 2000-05) hard work down the right saw him provide an inch perfect cross to an awaiting Joel Hughes (C3 1999-04) to tap in from close range.

The final whistle sounded and the OMs had achieved the unthinkable. A fourth consecutive promotion. The preparation starts now for life in the Premiership!

OMFC has secured an impressive fourth promotion in as many years, with a 2-2 draw at the weekend enough to seal their place in the top flight.

The squad went into the game against Old Malvernians knowing a point would be enough for promotion and took a point thanks to a second half strike from Cameron Gordon (PR 2009-14).

A dominant first half performance saw the home side camped in the Malvern half but were unable to break the deadlock. After a half-time team-talk of ‘doing a job’, the opposite happened and OMFC went a goal behind.

The response was almost immediate with a goalmouth scramble resulting in the leveller before Cam Gordon sprung the offside trap to put OMFC ahead for the first time in the encounter. A comfortable period of play followed before a lapse in concentration allowed a looping shot to deceive Hugo Adair to draw the Malvern side level.

The remaining stages of the game were played out with cool heads and sensible play, before the whistle blew to begin celebrations of a hard-fought promotion campaign.

Daniel Black (C3 1999-2004) commented: “Barring a rogue change of the rules we will be playing in the Arthurian League Premiership next season alongside the elite footballing old boys outfits.

“Quite frankly it’s a phenomenal result considering where the club has come from only six or seven years ago. Well done to all concerned.”

An away point to league leaders Chigwell took the OMs one step closer to the dizzy heights of the Arthurian League Premiership.

Only a mathematical freak can now prevent another promotion, having a vastly superior goal difference over nearest rivals Repton.

OMFC started brightly and looked in confident mood, fizzing the ball around with authority and purpose. After 25 minutes, Cameron Gordon (PR 2009-14) turned his marker and rifled a 20-yarder past the helpless ‘keeper. 1-0 to the good guys.

Some habitual poor defending then allowed Chigwell back into the game and with the danger only half cleared, their central midfielder showed he was equally adept at striking a ball cleanly and smashed it in. 1-1 at half-time and the message was to continue in the same positive vein but be more clinical in front of goal.

The message relayed during the break clearly fell on deaf ears as Chigwell took the lead straight from kick-off, dancing through the sleepy OM defence to take a march on proceedings.

OMFC bounced back with Alex Middleton (C1 2004-09), deservedly later voted MOTM, burying a shot from inside the area. Some more lapse defending saw Chigwell regain the lead in a near identical manner to their second goal, beating the offside trap and rounding Harry von Behr (B1 2001-06) . But, there was late drama as the OMs dug deep and were rewarded with a penalty late in the game. Harry Harvey (C3 1998-2003) finished with aplomb sending the ‘fans’ into raptures.

The final whistle blew shortly afterwards with the spoils shared.

The champagne is on ice – for now.

Thanks to Joe Hare (C3 1999-04) for the report.

Old Marlburian Football Club all but secured their promotion with an 11-0 victory over Haileybury on Saturday.

They say you can only beat what’s put in front of you and OMFC went to town against a depleted opposition line-up, who able to field just ten players.

OMFC ran riot scoring four before half-time with a further seven goals added to the tally after the break. A heroic goalkeeping display from the visiting custodian prevented further damage before the full-time whistle.

Rob Guppy (C3 2002-07) scored four whilst there was a brace for Alex Middleton (C1 2004-09). Further goals came from Harry Harvey (C3 1998-2003), Harry Bristow (C3 1999-04), Nick Horowitz (C3 2002-07), Alex Azis (LI 2006-10) and Cameron Gordon (2009-14).

With only one point required from their remaining three games, the OMs look certain to secure a historic fourth consecutive promotion.

OMFC have reached the final of the Junior League Cup following a 4-3 semi-final victory over Millfield.
 
The final will be played against Charterhouse IIs at Teddington on Saturday 12th April so please save the date with more information to follow.
 
Support from OMs, family and friends would be most appreciated – as Daniel Black (C3 1999-2004) explains.
 
“In our inaugural final, and with an extensive injury list, the battling OMs plan to take their own brand of football to the Old Carthusians. 

“We need your help though.  With the OCs notoriously well followed at these events, such is their pedigree, it really calls for a show of support from OMs, their friends and family to get our lads over the line!
“Come down and support OMFC in their first ever cup final!”

Thursday 5th September – Sunday 8th September 2013

The Old Marlburians enjoyed a fine pre-season programme this year, after earning promotion to the 2nd Division of the Arthurian League as Champions of Division 3 last year.  Cue an energised squad keen to mix it with ‘the big boys’ and some entertaining and thoroughly well fought games in late August, and it was off to Heathrow Terminal 3 to catch the 8.30 BA flight to Lisbon, where none other than the great Benfica lay in waiting...more

Semi Finals of the Arthur Dunn Cup and the Junior League Cup

For Junior League Match Report Just Click Match Report
To view slideshow of the Arthur Dunn Cup Match Just Click Slideshow of the Semi-Final Match

The OM Football Club took on Arthurian League giants, the Old Carthusians  on Saturday 2^nd March in the semi-final of the Arthur Dunn Cup. The first half ended in a draw but the second half saw the Premier League OCs take charge of the field and score three goals over the next half hour. A further two goals in the final few minutes of the game resulted in a 5-0 defeat for the OMFC, but nevertheless our Boys have made huge progress through in both the Arthurian League and the Arthur Dunn Cup, which they entered for the first time this year. Many parents and other OMs supported the teams, and we enjoyed a fabulous match tea with the help of former Dame of Preshute, Margaret Rose, who volunteered her good offices.

The following Saturday, 9^th March, they played the Old Carthusians second team, which is still a very strong team and honour was restored with 4-3 victory to the OMFC.

Latest match reports:

OMs v Old Etonians, 12 January 2013
OMs v Old King’s Wimbledon, 2 February 2013

Festive season over, it was time to concentrate on another important season: the Football Season. Despite a near 100% record, OMs trailed the league leaders going into the New Year by 3 points having played a game less. The team could afford no slip ups. The Old Foresters provided the first test… more.

The OMs cruised through to the quarterfinals of the Arthur Dunn Cup on Saturday 1st December, easily seeing off an Old King's Scholars side two divisions above them. An early goal from Will Harvey, followed good work form Niall Alcock down the right, as he turned a low cross past the keeper making it 1-0.  Shortly after, his brother Harry popped up with a tidy finish to make it 2-0. As half time approached, the OMs extended their lead as Harry Harvey found space on the left to send a scintillating ball across to Jack Webb, playing in a more advanced role, unmarked in the box to head home to make it 3-0.

The OKS team had one chance on goal - a lobbed effort drifting wide - but they never threatened the OM goal again. The defence held firm and the midfield tidied up any loose balls. The OMs went into half time having played the best football they'd played all season. The OKS side lost two players to injury and with no subs played out the rest of the match down to 9 men.  Cue a goal fest and further efforts from Webb, Hamilton, Harvey and Alcock made the score 7-0 at the final whistle!

A 100% record in both league and cup was considered by some too good to be true. Sadly for the Old Marlburian Football team, Saturday afternoon at Aldenham proved to be the end.... more

Read Charlie Allen’s excellent report of their dramatic victory of the Old Westminsters on Saturday 27th October.

Sir Alex Ferguson once wisely commented: “If we can play like that every week we’ll get some level of consistency.” Consistency was definitely something the OMs had been achieving. 15 points from 15 in the league the evidence. It was now the time to focus that consistency on the cup. The opposition: Westminsters XI. A team two leagues above with an unbeaten start to the season awarding them top of the table status. Could a cup upset be on the cards? ...more

Another Saturday, another 3 points as the OMs comfortably saw off the challenge of a feisty
Brentwood side to notch up their 10th consecutive league win. more…

The sun was shining bright and the OM’s were in a buoyant mood. more…

The Old Marlburian Football Club spent the second year of their competitive existence looking to right the wrongs of the previous season, where they narrowly missed out on promotion from the Arthurian League Division 4 on goal difference. To read the full Annual Report click more…

A cliché it might be, but this really was a game of two halves. On a balmy Tuesday evening in central London, the OMs played their penultimate pre season fixture before the 2012/2013 season kicks off. With some new faces to the ranks, the bare 11 took to the field to face the Old Malvernians who ply their trade in the dizzy heights of Division 1. We knew it was going to be tough and so it proved to be. more...

On 8th September 2012, the OMs dramatically defeated the College on the XI pitch. The first XI played well but the experience, fitness and size of the OMs was to their advantage. The game started with both squads chasing the ball and attempting a ‘Route One’ strategy with little success. The OMs knew they could play better football, having put on a clinical display in the second half versus the Old Malvernians midweek, and slowly began to settle into their game. Read Alan Hamilton’s full report more...

The OMs reported on a successful first four day tour of Holland, following their return from Amsterdam on Monday 27th August having played 2, won 2, scored 14 and conceded only 1.The tour group assembled at Gatwick North on Thursday evening to board the EasyJet flight to Schiphol. Arrival into the Dutch capital didn't see them greeted by the expected gathering of papparazzi or fans, but this was to our benefit as they breezed through the arrivals hall, and on to the ho(s)tel near the Vondelpark, in Amsterdam. Read Dan Black’s witty account more...

The OM Football Club fielded a team of 6 OMs to take part in the Jim Dixson Memorial Charity Tournament on Sunday 2^nd September. The OMs left with their heads held high, having been knocked out by the eventual winners but a great day was had by all. The team played 5, won 3, drew 1 and lost 1. Click Jim Dixson Memorial Tournament for a full report of the day’s events. The Football Club are now one our most active OM teams and are playing at the College on 8^th September. Click on the OM Football Club page to find out more, or if you wish to join this dynamic and growing ‘band of brothers’.

Saturday, 8th September, 2:30pm kick off
Football XI pitch by athletics track - supporters welcome
Followed by Curry in the Common Room for players at 4:30pm

Saturday, 27th of October, at home
The Old Marlburians have been drawn in the Arthur Dunn Cup against the Old Westminsters, at home on the 27th of October.  The cup is solely for the first team in any old boy's club (some schools have up to 4 or 5 teams in the Arthurian League), The OM Football Club will play Old Westminsters side, 2 leagues above them in Division 1 of the Arthurian League. www.arthurianleague.com

The first pre-season game of the 2012-13 campaign started reasonably brightly as an OM XI made it's way to Godalming to play an OC team made up of a mixture of 1st, 2nd and 3rd XI players - no easy task when the temperature (alledegly circa 30 degrees) and the lack of resources (the bare eleven!) combined. For full report click more...

OM Football Season 2012 Report

Established 2000 - currently 58 registered players

The Old Marlburian Football Club provides an opportunity for OMs to continue their illustrious footballing careers after leaving Marlborough. Initially set up in order to play annually against the Granham Casuals, the Club now competes throughout the winter months in the Arthurian League, the Junior League Cup, the Arthur Dunn Cup and several smaller tournaments.

We are a club constantly looking for new members and welcome any would be OM footballers to contact us. Our home ground is South Park near Parsons Green and match teas are provided after every game. We’re also keen for anyone who would like to be involved in a non-playing capacity, whether it be coaching, admin or just support to get in touch. The broader the range of people the more stable our club is and the better our successes will be in the future.

Please keep checking back on the website for details of forthcoming matches and tournaments as well as match reports and results. Results can also be checked on the Arthurian League website.