Stockport Report: Marsden Nets Three as Saxons Win Big

When we last checked in with Stockport Sports FC, they were getting bounced from the FA Vase competition by Bootle. This Saturday they recovered nicely, recording a 4-0 win over Squires Gate in NWCFL play. In league play, the Saxons haven't lost a match since September 4, and they've got 28 points in 15 matches to show for it.

The weekend's win added to the team's already impressive goal differential which now sits at an incredible 24. They've netted 3 or more goals 5 times this season, and are quite clearly the most impressive offensive team in the league. The latest win came at the hands of the team that now sits 19th in the 22-team table.

In the weekend's match, the Saxons were unable to turn strong 1st-half pressure into anything. Manager Peter Withe said, "We were poor in the first half, we didn't pass the ball as well as we usually do and the tempo was not what we are used to." But with the Saxons, it seems to be only a matter of time until they turn on the offensive fireworks.

In the second half, John Marsden had a chance on goal taken away by the Squires Gate keeper, but the referee decided that the visiting goalie had overstepped his bounds, and Marsden was awarded a penalty while the keeper was sent off. Marsden converted, and the Stockport rout was on. Marsden had a hand in the next goal, too. "A fabulous, flowing team move resulted in Marsden dribbling into the area, and showing that there is much more to his game than just goals, he picked out Ward perfectly with a square ball that was smashed in with glee by the wideman."*

*Again, if you're not reading the Stockport official reports, you're missing out.

Marsden would continue to terrorize the visiting team, scoring off of a clearance from the Stockport keeper, and then again minutes later to get his third goal in 20 minutes. The three goals saw Marsden climb to the top of the NWCFL scoring list, with 18 goals. It would be a shame, at this point, if Marsden were passed over for the player of the month honors.

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I can't stress enough how much fun this team has been to follow this season. Aston Villa are constantly letting us down, but Stockport have been playing high-scoring football since the first match of the season. If you need a way to relieve some stress, you could do much worse than following the Saxons. And if you're ever in the Stockport area (just outside of Manchester), you'd be well-served to go see a match. The staff of the club are incredibly friendly, and a Saxons match makes for a cheap day out.

And of course, if you can't make it, you can follow the Saxons' season here. We're working to try and get some more interviews, and we'll have some writing from the club itself, so make sure to keep on checking back.

If you can't wait to see the Saxons again, they're in action this Saturday in the League Challenge Cup against Runcorn Linnets, who were the last team to beat the Saxons in NWCFL play. Kick off is at 1500 GMT.

Up the Saxons!