GARNETT RESERVES MATCH REPORT
Wednesday 23rd April 2003 Garnett Reserves 3 (2) vs. (0) 0 Rutherford

As nobody has written a report yet - here's a brief, incomplete summary with possible inacurracies!
Roger:

The game that should have won us the league a month earlier was finally played on a Wenesday evening on our by now baked and bobbly home pitch. The importance of the match made for a tight opening 20 minutes. There were only sporadic signs of the free flowing football of the 6-0 win that had been nulified by the referee's no show. The opposition wanted to settle some scores as we had already put 15 goals past them in two game; it looked like being a tough game.

The break-through came with an opening goal from the head of Dawson, the ball squeezing in past defenders and keeper. Any lingering nerves evapourated when the ball broke free again in a crowded penalty area for Walker's to drive it into the net with a left foot strike. He could have had a second moments later again at the far post, but this time the left foot volley flew over. Rutherford's best chance came when a wayward ball back to defence became a through ball for the opposition strikers, but Cavanagh and A.Alexander snuffed out the chance.

2-0 at half time, a good cushion. The second half saw better passing and more chances for the Reserves. Rutherford were reduced to long shots one of which Hepburn acrobatically palmed over the bar. In truth it was the Reserves that looked more threatening and the addition of Hindley for the injured Holmes gave Rutherford another focus for their aggression. Having vocally taken exception, off and on the field to every challenge against them they set about the Reserves players. Dawson, Wonders and Hindley were all subjected to late and foul play. The Reserves didn't back down and showed there quality with a 3rd and decisive goal. Four passes, a 1-2 with Cavanagh and Robinson let the ball roll across his body, turning the defender and drove right footed in off the far post. A picture book goal that sealed a thoroughly deserved championship winning victory, for which coupled with his all round performace he recieved man of the match, beating Fraiser's solid and secure performance by one vote. Pollard came on to replace Robinson, carrying the fight as ever. There quick and intelligent contributions for Hopkins and Rowson as ever. Wonders provided grit and fierce determination in the middle of the park. While the jet-lagged Miller aided the excellent A.Alexander and Cavanagh (and used the outside of his right foot with mixed success). Dawson again showed his skill and desire to play the ball throughout.

Team: F.Hepburn, P.Miller, C.Rowson, M.Campbell-Wonders, A.Alexander , S.Cavanagh, L.Walker 1, B.Holmes (N.Hindley), D.Robinson 1 MoM (M.Pollard), C.Dawson 1, G.Hopkins

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