Saturday 1st October 2005 Garnett B 3 (2) vs.(2) 2 Washington CC

Garnett found this game, against old rivals Barnstoneworth (as was), a much stiffer test than their opener. Apart from the challenge of a much stronger and more talented opposition, the famous Bullocksteads wind was in full force making football difficult for both teams. The referee complemented both sides at the final whistle for their continued efforts to play football despite the conditions.

There were few chances for either team early on with the final ball difficult to pick out despite good approach play from both sides. After 15mins a long ball down the right confused the Washington defence and both centre halves challenged Jones for the same ball. The ball ran loose to Marshall, who crossed to the far post for Walworth to convert. Some concerted pressure by Garnett seemed to be going nowhere until Jones picked out an angled ball to beat the defence and their offside trap and find Marshall. His ball into the 6 yard box was bundled in by Gault. Envy was making a nuisance of himself down the right with only the final ball lacking. At this point it seemed that Garnett had the game won without dominating. However, the centre forward of Washington was dragging their defence all over the field and on set pieces in particular there was always danger. Shaw had already pulled off one of his trademark ‘strong hand’ saves. Eventually Garnett were exposed by Washington’s star player. From a controversially awarded offside, Washington broke and defenders were brushed aside once more for the big number 9 to finish. Within minutes the same player had equalised and the game was very much in the balance at 2:2.

The second half was nervy for both sides and as a result there were far fewer chances. Garnett looked vulnerable down both flanks, with Harris not relishing the physical challenge and Gault being drawn out of position too easily. On the balance of play it was probably Washington who deserved to edge ahead, although Powers and Brooke were already getting a better grip on the dangerous centre forward when he pulled up with an injury. Within minutes his ‘Little Britain’ replacement had missed one of the sitters of the season. Put through with an open goal becoming, he only needed to walk the ball in but chose to hit a shot wide from 10 yards. With this let off, Garnett began to create chances of their own and eventually the pressure paid off. A neat overhead pass from Marshall (his third assist of the game – earning him his mom), sent Dawnay into the box where he finished calmly. Even with the final whistle approaching, Washington had time to create other chances and almost the last kick of the game saw a shot blazed over the bar from only 10 yards out. This could prove a very valuable and hard earned victory at the end of the season.

Moment to remember: The ‘Little Britain’ forward complaining to his team mates for giving him stick after his miss.

Author: Gaffer

Team: E.Shaw, P.Gault 1, A.Powers, L.Brooke, L.Harris, M.Envy, G.Dawnay 1 (c), D.Ford, A.Walworth 1, K.Jones, L.Marshall (MoM)