Game one of Calvert Cup Group
Stage
A Garnett select side had a comfortable 3-1 win over Corinthian Division
1 side RS Benwell at Washington. On a good pitch in sunny conditions
this game was a perfect work out.
The Green and Black fielded new signings ex Newcastle University captain
Sean Cavanagh, David Robinson newly arrived into the area and ex Jizzman
"Taff" Alexander. All looked decent recruits and further increase
competition for places in the 1st team defence.
Garnett started at high tempo and dominated the opening twenty minutes
with midfield players getting into the box in numbers but unfortunately
either the final ball or final finish was lacking. After looking promising,
as a makeshift centre forward, Robinson had to depart with a back injury.
His replacement man to man marking specialist legend James Almond took
his place in an unfamiliar right midfield position with Neil Hindley
switching to target man. Almond was quickly in action missing two good
chances blazing over then not getting enough power of his cross shot.
Against the run of play, RS Benwell took the lead catching the otherwise
solid Garnett back four square. Keeper Lee Elliott rushed desperately
from his line but was unable to stop the ball being clipped over him.
Garnett seemed to lose a bit of confidence and also began to look tired,
and stopped passing the ball to feet. Hindley's set pieces were still
a constant danger to the home defence however and just before time Peter
Curtis headed just over in the process putting his marker in hospital.
Half time saw several positional changes Almond then Tom Webb sharing
the gloves with Elliott having a go as midfield anchor man. A.Alexander
replaced exhausted left winger Dan Corcoran who had looked dangerous
before he tired.
RS Benwell had no substitute and were made to pay in the 2nd half which
was totally dominated by the Green and Black who used the extra space
to their advantage. Man of the Match Craig Rowson revelling in
a centre of midfield role fired home from a Kenny Rosbach cross after
a slick passing move shortly after half time.
Further goals came from Rosbach who turned well and beat the
keeper at the near post. Hindley clinched the win heading home
from close range after being set up by Rosbach. Only excellent keeping
from the home custodian and poor decision making on the edge of the
box kept the score down as the Green and Black ran rampant.
Team:L.Elliott, R.Cusworth, P.Curtis, M.Wonders, T.Webb
©, S.Cavanagh, N.Hindley 1, D.Robinson (J.Almond), K.Rosbach 1,
C.Rowson 1 MOM, D.Corcoran (A.Alexander).
|