Dream Debut

What's better than scoring a hat-trick on your debut? Scoring four goals on your debut, obviously.

I'm currently on a job placement at the Non-League Paper in Wimbledon. One of things I'm enjoying most about it is hearing of the bizarre and incredible stories which seem to occur on a weekly basis outside the Football League. For example, Jon Bennet of Marlow FC.

Marlow are a newly promoted side to the Calor Southern Central League, and had been struggling for goals lately. However, a dream debut if ever I've seen one for their new striker, Jon, ensured the goals are flowing again.

I interviewed the player myself and in between the nervy 'erms' and 'ums' of my first interview, I managed to produce the following dialogue.


 So you scored four goals on your debut, right?

“That’s right yeah. (laughs)”

Is this something you manage every game? Have you scored 4 or more before?

“I’ve scored a fair few goals in the lower leagues, but to score 4 goals up a league was brilliant.”

What did your new team mates say?

“Yeah they were very pleased I think. They’ve been playing well recently, things just haven’t quite clicked and they haven’t put teams away. But this Saturday things just fell into place, the lads in midfield and up front as well definitely made it easier for me to finish the chances up front which I don’t think they’ve had before.”

You were at your last side, Ascot for a very long time? What made you want to move to Marlow?

“Yeah I was at Ascot for all of my adult life. I just fancied a step up. The Marlow manager came in for me last season whilst them and Ascot were in the same league and I decided to stay faithful to Ascot. However when they were promoted they came back in for me and I decided it was the right time to make the step up, so I thought I’d give it a go.”

Do you think you’ll be able to help Marlow shoot up the league table now?

“Yeah definitely, some of the players at the club are brilliant it’s just taken a little time to get used to the step up. From what I’ve seen on Saturday there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be kicking on up the table towards the top six.”

We’ve heard the match balls around the leagues cost the clubs a fortune, were you able to get hold of one on Saturday?

“No I didn’t actually I forgot to ask! That would’ve been nice, I’ll have to ask about it at training tomorrow night.”

Looking forward to the next game?

“Yep, Wimbledon on Saturday in the FA Trophy.”

Good luck for that mate, cheers.