Some were disappointed at the end, some were angry. No one can deny however that Garnett Reserves should go home enormously satisfied with a performance that arguably merited more than the one point they eventually garnered. A 1-1 draw away to second placed Fitzgeralds by a team deep in relegation trouble appears a result to be proud of, but most would admit that Garnett through their cohesion at the back and sufficient attacking threats had made a mockery of this gulf in league position. While the whole squad impressed it was the midfield, missing stalwart Tim Burke-Murphy that produced many of the afternoon's distinguished performances, perhaps the pick being Mark Rogers whose display Garnett Chairman Patrick William Wallop Powlett described as the best he'd seen from the mop-topped midfield terrier all season.

The Reserves' head honcho Powlett had warned before the match of their Amateur League rivals' propensity to grab a game by the scruff of the neck if allowed to and it was with that in mind that Garnett began the game in a frugal state of mind. Under clear instructions from 40 year old birthday 'boy' Powlett to keep it tight for the first half the away side seemed to relish the chance to break the game up and so it was that a scrappy, competitive first half emerged. Much of this was due to a resolute central midfield triangle of Paul Menton with anchorman Alex Martin and Mark Rogers, who had both played in the same school team several years previously, which was supplemented by freshers Rory Monaghan and Nico Heslop on the left and right wing respectively.

The swarthy Monaghan, who has not quite perfected the designer stubble look, was also celebrating his birthday and it seemed as if he had his mind on the ensuing evening's festivities, when he for once would not have to try to be the centre of attention, rather than the match in hand as he failed to pose much danger to Fitzgerald's right back. In mitigation youngster Monaghan was tracking back time and again to help a diligent Dave Mullan nullify the home side's attacking threat and like the rest of the Garnett starting eleven was tremendously successful in achieving this. Indeed there was little to worry a stout green and black defence, superbly marshalled by Dave 'Trigger' Robinson, for the first period.

If either of the teams could claim to deserve the lead it was Garnett, who during their most sustained period of pressure, had the game's best chance. After good work from Heslop by the corner flag the ball fell to Mark Rogers on the six-yard line. He swivelled and shot but was unable to beat the keeper who dived to his left to tip the ball around the post. Soon after the half time whistle blew and the Garnett players trooped off towards a beaming Powlett, delighted that his pre-match plans had been followed to the letter by highly motivated Garnett side. At the interval he encouraged Garnett to continue Fitzgerald's frustration but also to open the game out so they could comprise an altogether threatening outfit.

Again Powlett's orders were heeded as Garnett played their football in the attacking third more often after the interval. However this coincided with increased competition with tackles started to fly in from all angles. But a barrage of green and black pressure succeeded in breaking the deadlock on the hour. As the dangerous Dave Robinson loitered with intent and drew the defenders' attention it was left to Paul Menton to capitalise on a knockdown from a left wing cross to stab home from close range.

Jubilant scenes followed as Garnett knew their inability to score freely all season meant grasping the lead was vital. In the frantic aftermath goalscorer Menton was first to be cautioned for a needless foul and then to be dismissed after using foul lanaguage in the referees ear shot when he did not receive a penalty kick after appearing to ahve been clearly wrestled down in the box.. There were no complaints about the sending off, the first player to be dismissed by a Paddy managed team in 22 years though ironically a spectator had been sent off in the same match last season. Just prior to Menton's dismissal Fitzgeralds appeared bundled the ball home after a penalty box melee. It was only after the match that a clearly distraught Robinson admitted personal tragedy …. And that it had been an own goal. Typically he had done it in style and nutmegged an unfortunate Rogers stationed by the left hand post and so the dressing room although not altogether surprised forgave him, preferring instead to remember the times he had saved them this season….

Rich Turner then stepped up from the bench to replace Rogers as the away team looked to sustain the work rate that had served them well thus far. Despite the one-man advantage Fitzgeralds were unable to penetrate a Garnett side desperate to take something away from the game. They briefly threatened towards the end but their only opportunity was a shot from just inside the box after a swift counter attack that was superbly dealt with by an otherwise uncalled-upon Rob Scott in goal. Indeed Garnett could have snatched it late on when another substitute Dave Alexander, on for lone forward Gaz Hopkins, broke down the right only to see the goalkeeper charge out, kick the ball straight into him and then luckily find the ball again at his feet before clearing. The final whistle went soon after and the Garnett players left the pitch with the satisfaction of picking up another point in their battle to avoid relegation but the disappointment of knowing they had nearly done enough to earn two more. However drawing with the second placed team will surely mean a new lease of confidence for the team as they seek to secure their Tyneside Amateur League Division One status.

Author: E.Nigma

Team: R.Scott, M.Laws, D.Mullen, M.Rogers, M.Brown, D.Robinson, N.Heslop, A.Martin, G.Hopkins (D.Alexander), P.Menton 1, R.Monaghan (R.Turner)