GARNETT BOHEMIAN 1ST TEAM REPORT
Sat 18th January 2003 University 1 (1) vs. (2) 3 Garnett Bohemians

Garnett ended their jinx against the University 2nds with a well deserved 3-1 win. Ironically this was the best University team faced in the years the Green and Black have been in the Tyneside Amateur League but in the end quality and desire prevailed.

Garnett buoyed by their friendly over Northern Alliance Premiership leaders Benfield Saints showed three changes, new signing Dave Martin on loan from Benfield debuted between the sticks and Dan Cocoron's impressive displays for the Reserves were rewarded with a call up on the left side of midfield, with the ever reliable Craig Rowson slotting in left back. Fit gain Tom Webb won the centre half spot over the unlucky Alex Martin. Fresher Chris Dawson and Wednesday A team captain Greg Stinson took places on the bench as Garnett struggled to recoil from the long term losses of Michael Crammond, James Almond, Peter Cutis and Tim Burke-Murphy. The unavailability of Andy Logan and David Alexander further stretched the squad.

Garnett got off to the best possible start when Corcoran disposed the otherwise excellent University centre half Andy Clarke to cross the ball into an empty net with the keeper no where. This spurred the Uni into action and it quickly came apparent why they had won nine in a row as they passed the ball round with confidence and worked extremely hard for each other but it was also clear that Garnett were prepared to match them for effort and were superior at the key areas of the pitch. Despite their movement and effort, Webb and the dominant Shaun Cavanagh had the measure of the Uni front two while record scorer Danny Sherwood and pacy sidekick Jason Thompson had the beating of a good Uni defence. Before ten minutes were up Garnett doubled their lead and effectively took control when Thompson blazed his way clear and his wicked cross was only half punched by the dodgy Uni keeper and ended up at the feet of Neil Hindley who gleefully drove the ball across the keeper into the far corner for his first league goal of the season.

Unfortunately the Uni pulled a goal back soon after, this gave them a major confidence boost. While they threatened little in open play, the right backs mammoth throws and Paul,O'Leary's wicked inswinging corners were a real test. From another excellent Paul O'Leary corner Clarke got his head ahead of Martin's fist to nod home. The Uni shaded possession for the rest of the half as Garnett's final ball let them down, rarely releasing their dangerous front duo. The game was evolving into stalemate as two competitive sides, only Cavanaghs powerful free kick straight at the keeper from a free kick after a horrendous (lucky to just get a yellow) over the top challenge on Hindley and a thumping volley from Thompson brilliantly saved threatened goals as the Green and Black defence stood firm against the aerial set piece onslaught.

Garnett started the second half at a higher tempo and camped in the Uni half. It was the Uni's turn to be on the defensive as Hindley's dead balls caused all sorts of problems. Cavanagh had the best chance but was denied by an incredible save by the keeper. Somehow the Uni escaped from the onslaught still one goal down. They gradually battled their way back into the game but still struggled to create even a half chance from open play as Cavanagh and Webb continued to dominate. Their frustration showed when Hindley was gain the victim of a late yellow card challenge, this time from O'Leary junior. Veteran full back pairing Rowson and skipper Rich Cusworth were their normal reliable selves, covering intelligently whenever danger threatened. Martin had to parry one effort over the bar after another long throw but apart from that the Uni rarely threatened. Even though the game was petering out, a one goal lead was not enough against such determined opposition.

In the last five minutes the Uni pushed everyone forward leaving Paul O'Leary one on one with Thompson from set plays. this resulted in an incredible spell of football when Thompson three times left the Uni skipper floundering in his wake. The first time he raced from 20 yards in his half, superbly rounded the keeper to somehow Ronnie Rosenthaaled it over the bar, next time he lobbed the keeper but also the bar. On his final attempt he had the conviction to smash the ball home to clinch a crucial victory.

All in all, a massive victory for the Green and Black in their biggest game of the season but due credit to the Uni who showed why they had won 9 in a row. The most pleasing aspect was the fact that Garnett won without playing the flowing passing football which has been their trade mark this season. The passion and desire was again excellent while the fitness again came through as Garnett finished the stronger.

Team: D.Martin, R.Cusworth, C.Rowson, N.Hindley 1, T.Webb, S.Cavanagh MOM, R.Watson (sub G.Stinson), D.Mercer, D.Sherwood, J.Thompson 1, D.Corcoran 1 (sub C.Dawson)

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