Garnett were boosted by the return of fit again centre half Shaun Cavanagh who justified his recall with a Man of Match performance. Alex Martin being very unlucky to drop out after his excellent game against Darsley. Unfortunately Kenny Rosbach was still out with a hamstring injury sustained in that game and the ever-reliable Craig Rowson was restricted to emergency substitute due to illness. Norwegian 1st Division players John Hurry and Christian Dawson made their English debuts. Fresher Chris Dawson took a place on the bench after fellow fresher Sam Collins became another hamstring victim.

In a very tight first half, few chances were created at either end. One free header brilliantly saved by impressive keeper Michael Crammond being Winlaton's only clear opportunity as Crammond confidently dealt with a number of dangerous crosses. Garnett got stronger as the half progressed with Hurry looking a threat whenever he got the ball, however few real opportunities were created. David Alexander shot straight at the keeper and then got to the byeline but failed to pick out a Green and Black shirt. A 0-0 score line at half time was a fair reflection on an even 45 minutes.

The second half started in the same vein, so it was quite a surprise when Garnett took the lead. The otherwise excellent Winlaton keeper miskicked a clearance to Neil Hindley who quickly played it through to David Alexander. The young Irish man raced away to curl a shot into the bottom corner. With the Green and Black looking well organized at the back and midfielder Dave Mercer once again putting in a monster of a performance the first win of the season looked on the cards. Tim Burke-Murphy replaced an off form Hindley to add some extra running power into the midfield.

Then disaster struck with the goal that never was. Winlaton flicked on a corner, which was brilliantly parried by Crammond and cleared away. To the amazement of all especially the Winlaton centre forward who was right on the goal line and did not appeal, referee Catchpole standing on the penalty spot awarded a goal. This changed the whole complexion of the game.

With Mark Rogers having ran himself into the ground competing against Winlaton's speedy right wing back, Dawson came on for his debut up front with Hurry moving wide left. He made an immediate impact on the Winlaton defence with some robust and unappreciated challenges.

Further disaster struck 10 minutes later when a harmless looking shot deflected off Dawson to wrong foot Crammond and loop into the bottom corner.
Garnett still were playing well and had good chances to equalize. D.Alexander blazed over and Andy Logan had two powerful shots from narrow angles well held by the home keeper. Winlaton were still looking dangerous on the break and showed their experience by taking their time over every restart and hitting the ball into the corners at every opportunity.

To further complete a miserable day, after another corner was not properly cleared, a wild shot going out for a throw in hit a Winlaton cock to fly into the net. Garnett did not give up and Hurry had a one on one with the keeper but could not beat him.

This result leaves Garnett with only two points form three games, their worst start since 1983-84 but confidence remains high. Ten of the squad were still in North Terrace at 7pm and all agree we have a stronger team that last year and we just need to find a goal scorer. Keeper Crammond and centre half Cavanagh are as good or if not better than any who has filled a Green and Black shirt. Hopefully the excellent Hurry will decide to commit long term to the Green and Black. Winlaton's manager said in their previous three games they had played well but had no luck but today they had been fortunate to win. All in all this was an excellent game of football between two good and hardworking sides, it is just a shame a monstrous refereeing decision and two deflections proved so costly.

Team: M.Crammond, R.Cusworth, C.Ossarwy, H.Hindley (sub T.Burke-Murphy), J.Almond, S.Cavanagh, A.Logan, D.Mercer, J.Hurry, D.Alexander 1, M.Rogers (sub C.Dawson)
subs not used: C.Rowson, S.Haillay