As nobody has written a report yet - here's a brief,
incomplete summary with possible inacurracies!
Roger:
After 2 defeats it was important to get some sort of result away
from home at the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate. As newcomers to the Tyneside
Amateur League Division 1, Willington Quay had started with a loss and
two draws, and just a hungry for points as Garnett Bohs.
Willington's defence employed that old Geordie favourite, a straight-forward
off-side trap. In attack they relied on pushing bodies forward on mass
whenever their number 10 in midfield had the ball to pick out angle
passes. While not the most sophisticated of tactics their desire and
comittment to these principles made the first half fast and furious.
Garnett attacked well in spells, creating chances but by no means had
it all their own way. Frustratingly Robinson went off with an injury
and fresher Nico Heslop came on at right midfield, Hopkins slipping
back to right back and Miller pairing up with Alex Martin in Robinson's
place.
When the opening goal came, it was welcome relief that it was that Chris
Dawson who scored it and not the opposition. His right foot smash
past the keeper opened his this season's account for the Reserves. It
looked like another would follow, from open play and the quality dead
ball deliveries of Hopkins.
But it was to be Willington set pieces that led to the next goal., two
whipped in corners in quick succession. The first was headed away by
Miller just in front of Keepeer Dave Martin. The second was met by a
Willington striker and this time flew in. Garnett fought back with resolve
having a header by Dawson ruled out by an unconvincing flag from the
opposition's linesman, the cross adjudged to have gone out and into
play again.
The effort had been there, but the feeling out lost initiative was evident
at half time. Patrick Powlett, temporarily managing the team had words
of encouragement and Garnett started positively. It was not to be, chances
came and went. Whilst the defence was resolute, Alex Martin's performance
meriting the Man of the Match award for the second time this season,
no breakthrough up front came. Even when Sam Collins came on as striker,
and Pollard dropped back into midfield for the ailing Holmes, the finish
still eluded Garnett.
It was important to stop the run of defeats, but it felt a little like
2 points dropped even if we were away from home. Nevertheless the performance
was much improved and if the Reserves continue to create that number
of chances, the wins will surely come.
Team: D.Martin, P.Miller, P.Curtis, P.Menton, D.Robinson (N.Heslop),
A.Martin MoM, G.Hopkins, B.Holmes (S.Collins), M.Pollard, C.Dawson 1,
R.Turner
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