GARNETT B TEAM REPORT
Saturday 16th February 2002 Garnett B 3 (2) vs. (0) 3 JCB Eindhoven
Garnett battled to a hard-earned point in an ill-tempered scrap at a windy Blakelaw.
Against a side interested more in kicking people and whinging and lashing out if anyone had the temerity to tackle them back, than in passing a football, the Garnett team can be pleased to have secured a draw which, barring disasters, should secure at least a 2nd place finish in Division 2 this season.

The first half saw Garnett playing with the wind, and surging into a two goal lead after some dubious defending from JCB. A Cook free-kick broke to Tom Hodgson on the edge of the box, and his low shot managed to squirm under the keeper. The second came following a sharp break down the right, when Tom Perry pressured the defence and following his intervention the ball trickled into the net.
The blustery wind and bobbly pitch made progressive football difficult, and few chances were carved out, although JCB's long-ball tactics were easily dealt with, the returning Lee Crozier looking especially solid. Powers was also giving a typically committed performance alongside him.

The second half saw Garnett weather the early pressure, but unfortunately JCB were given a lifeline by a handling error by keeper Beveridge which was swiftly capitalised upon to pull a goal back. Then to make matters worse a goalmouth scrap appeared to have been dealt with, when the ball broke to the JCB forward who fired home from close range to level the scores. That this particular players' constant whining and petulant behaviour had been rewarded with a goal, seemed far from just. JCB reacted to their equaliser in a far from savoury manner, players racing in from distance to taunt Garnett players.
Garnett were spurred on and responded with a good move down the left. Sub Dan Ford turned well, and advanced, his shot fell to Hodgson who forced a good save from the JCB keeper and Adam Bell was on hand to ram home the rebound. However in the melee that followed Pollard lost his composure and was involved in an altercation with several JCB players. The referee believed that Pollard had kicked out at the JCB keeper, and he was given his marching orders, much to the surprise of most people on the pitch. He was to admit later that he was foolish for getting involved with the JCB idiots, but was surprised to be sent off, in the light of other incidents that had gone unpunished during the match.

Down to ten men, Garnett battled bravely and unfortunately JCB drew level with a close range header. Unperturbed, Garnett continued to play the better football, and held out against the JCB pressure, with keeper Beveridge making some important catches under pressure.
Overall this was a battling performance under trying circumstances, which leaves the Bs with simple equation. Five games to go - five wins and the league title will be theirs.
M.O.M - Lee Crozier
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