Marlow v Burnham
The FA Carlsberg Trophy
Second Round Qualifying
3pm, Saturday 2 November 2013
Alfred Davis Ground, Marlow FC
Winning clubs receive £3250 from The FA's prize fund
Click here for fixtures
By Sascha Gustard-Brown
Marlow FC Manager Mark Bartley has planted the seeds of success in the minds of his players as he wants to bring The FA Trophy glory days back to Oak Tree Road.
Before new players sign for the club, they are given an insight in to their rich history and previous successes in an effort to inspire victories to come.
"The club has great tradition and it is something I talk to players about before they join us," revealed Bartley.
"And the traditions and history brings the expectation from the supporters. They want us to win."
Before Bartley's arrival, the club managed a Third Round Proper appearance in the 2002-03 season and they went one better at their next attempt when they progressed to the Fourth Round Proper for the first time in the club’s history.
But recent FA Trophy runs have not been so successful and nostalgic fans want to get cup wins back on the agenda after tasting glory in their most recent league efforts.
At the end of 2013, Bartley's first season in charge, Marlow won the Hellenic League Premier Division and with it promotion to the Southern Division One Central. Now, they have their sights set on silverware to match their elevated league status.
"I think things just became stale and complacent before I came in," addec Bartley.
"There was a decline in the playing side and ultimately the team got relegated. I came in and things are fresher now. I am an ambitious manager.
"It’s more about our ability now too. We are in the last tier of teams in the competition and although there is always a place for luck in terms of the draw, we have to make sure we prepare correctly. The FA Trophy is a big, important competition.
"I’ve told them to aim for a couple of rounds and if we go out, we go out to a team from a higher level.
"For me, this will be a learning curve for the side and for the players to get used to playing at this level."
