GARNETT FRIENDLY MATCH REPORT
Sat 17th January 2004 Garnett Bohs Reserves 0 (0) Gosforth Bohemians Garnett 1 (0)

A calamitous first minute blunder form emergency keeper, Chairman Paddy William-Powlett, was the only difference in a well contested astro friendly between the near full strength 1sts and a makeshift Reserves side. After Neil Hindley's audacious shot direct from kick off had been expertly tipped over the bar, disaster struck when a quick goal kick was played back to the veteran keeper who inexplicably passed the ball to record scorer Danny Sherwood who gleefully smashed home. It was a good thing he enjoyed it as it was the last time he was to have a sight of goal. Claims that the last time he played in goal you could pick up pass backs received short shrift from aggrieved team mates at half time.

Surprisingly the 1sts failed to test the dodgiest of keepers with long range shots, only one powder puff effort from Dave Mercer in the second half, and in-swinging corners into 6 yard box, none. Apart from a Shaun Cavanagh header straight at him and a Dave Mullan cross shot put too close to him, the keeper was rarely tested much to his relief. This was largely due to superb defending from the Reserves back four and industry of those in front of them. Will Phillips, looking every inch a 1st team player and the ever reliable "Trigger" Robinson in the heart of the Reserves defence were the standouts in an excellent all round effort from the Reserves. The Reserves tactics of defending deep and in numbers as soon as the ball was lost, worked a treat as the 1sts rarely got behind them and spent most of the half passing the ball around prettily in harmless areas. A tendency to knock the ball into space proved ineffective on the lightning surface especially in the absence of the injured Jason Thompson also played into the hands of the Reserves. Halftime arrived with the Reserves growing in confidence even if they had failed to create a chance that tested 1sts stand in custodian Sammy Haillay.

In the second half, the Reserves improved the quality of their passing and had the better chances. The Reserves had several shots blocked on the edge of the box as they began to cause real problems to the 1sts defence but unfortunately for them were unable to convert their two clear chances late in the game. Double centurian Gaz Hopkins was the key man both times, first working space for himself and producing a wonder save from Haillay and then drawing Haillay out of his net only for Dave Alexander to agonizingly volley over an open net from point blank range. Hindley had the 1st's only clear chance, bursting through to face the keeper one and one but slotted the ball feebly wide. This was despite moving the influential Cavanagh into midfield as they went to three at the back.

Garnett Bohemians Reserves: P.William-Powlett, M.Laws, R.Monaghan, T.Penn, W.Phillips (MoM), D.Robinson, P.Menton, B.Holmes, G.Hopkins, M.Pollard, N.Heslop
Subs: D.Alexander, M.Rogers

Gosforth Bohemian Garnett: S.Haillay, M.Brown, M.Menton, D.Mercer, A.Alexander, S.Cavanagh (MoM), D.Cave, N.Hindley, D.Sherwood, S.King, D.Mullan

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