MARLOW Football Club played out a dour goalless draw at Oak Tree Road on Saturday with Wivenhoe.

Chances were few and far between for both sides in the Ryman League second division encounter, but Marlow could have edged ahead early on had James Pritchard produced a better finish.

The Wivenhoe keeper completely miskicked the ball as he attempted to clear and it gave Pritchard a golden chance.

But the Marlow man, after racing in to snatch the loose ball, then blasted it completely wide of an empty net.

Some excellent defending by Sam Shephard kept Marlow in the game before, early in the second half, both John Isaac and Jason Bowler had a chance to steal a goal.

Isaac had his shot blocked on the edge of the area. The rebound, which fell to Bowler was chipped over the keeper, only to shave the top of the crossbar.

Marlow will be hoping to find the target on Monday night when they play Eagle Bitter League side Stotfold.

The Blues will be hoping it's third time lucky as they try again to play their jinxed FA Vase fourth clash. The match has already been postponed twice because of the weather.

But Marlow can't wait to get the game on. They have been stung by criticism from Stotfold boss Phil Pateman who has accused them of being slow and bad at defending set pieces.

He also said that Marlow's star man Pritchard has a tendency to drift in and out of matches.

Marlow assistant boss Derek Sweetman said: "We've heard what he's got to say and it will just inspire us."

"We'll be pinning it up on the dressing room wall for everyone to see."

The winners of Monday's tie at Oak Tree Road (ko 7.45pm) will entertain Durham-based Northern League side Marske in the fifth round.