North Leigh’s woes in all cup competitions this season continued with a defeat on their first visit to Marlow in an FA Carlsberg Trophy first qualifying round tie on Saturday.

It was in sharp contrast to the Millers excellent Calor League form which sees them three points clear at the top of Division 1 South & West.

After taking the lead midway through the first half, Mark Gee’s side conceded a poor goal before half-time and three more scores late on to slip to their heaviest defeat of the season.

The Calor League Division 1 South & West leaders went ahead midway through the first half, Jon Else heading home strongly from James Organ’s deep cross from the left past a helpless Simon Grant in the Marlow goal.

The hosts, who play in Calor Division 1 Central, equalised against the run of play when Jon Bennett stole into the box and shot past keeper Sam Warrell from close range.

North Leigh responded when Elliott Osborne-Ricketts broke clear, but fired wide of the goal.

But as the second half wore on, Marlow’s attacks looked increasingly threatening and it was no surprise when they took the lead.

Ben Gladwin’s 20-yard free-kick trickled over the line after Warrell had managed to get a hand to the shot.

The Millers had three efforts cleared off the line as they threw everyone forward in a desperate attempt to find an equaliser.

But breakaway goals from Bennett and Gladwin ended their hopes of further progress.

On Saturday, North Leigh host Eyesham United at Eynsham Park, looking to make it nine league victories in a row.

North Leigh: Warrell, Hole, Organ, Turk, Gunn, Caton, Else, Osborne-Ricketts, McDonagh (Walcott 69), Bowles (Sanders 65), Williams (Dutton-Black 85). Sub not used: Westlake.

Attendance: 109.