GARNETT B MATCH REPORT
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Saturday 13th April 2002 Garnett B
3 (1) vs. (1) 2 Jesmond Mysterons
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| Match Report Garnett B took a big step towards guaranteeing first division Corinthian League football with a massive 3-2 win over Division 2 champions Jesmond Mysterons. Having already succumbed twice to the Mysterons, manager Martin Pollard was pleased to be able to put out a strong side for this make or break fixture. Already missing several influential players, he was fortunate to be able to call upon veterans Paul Miller and Chris Watson, to plug the gaps. Garnett started strongly, winning the fifty fifty tussles, and looking a far better side than the one that had surrendered so tamely to Philosophers the week before. Following a fine move down the left, the excellent Dan Concoran spotted Pollard's run, and the latter saw his mis-hit effort hit the bar, and bounce to safety. Perhaps against the run of play Jesmond then took the lead, when a long clearance evaded the head of Andy Powers, and fell to the Mysterons forward who slotted neatly past keeper Shaw. Such a blow might have seen heads drop but Garnett were soon on terms. Pressure in the midfield saw the ball break to Pollard, who exchanged passes with Adam Bell on the edge of the area, before blasting a rising shot past the Mysterons keeper to level the scores, much to his obvious delight. The rest of the half was fairly even with Garnett having the better of the midfield battle, but Mysterons looking threatening with direct balls to their dangerous front two. The second half continued to be an evenly contested affair, but Garnett's greater desire to win was shown all over the park, harrying and closing down with great tenacity. These efforts bore fruit when Adam Bell pressured the Mysterons defence into an error, and broke through one on one. Belying his recent lack of confidence in front of goal, he strode into the area, and remained composed to lift a neat finish over the onrushing keeper. Jesmond were stung into action, and forced a series of corners, as Garnett looked tired, sapped by the hard pitch and big effort so far. From a right wing corner, keeper Ed Shaw looked to be impeded, but the ball broke to a Mysteron who prodded the ball goalward, only for captain Martin Wonders to block on the line with his hand. The ref waved away the Garnett protests but thankfully took no action against the professional foul. However there was no mistake made with the penalty and the scores were level with fifteen minutes to go. Tempers began to fray as the Mysterons pressed forward, sensing victory. The resolute Garnett defence held firm with both Miller and Andy Powers in fine form, the latter contributing with some fine last-ditch tackles. However Powers fierce determination got the better of him, as he became involved in a tangle with the Mysterons forward in the area, and lashed out. The ref's decision was a strange one, and perhaps fortunate for the Green and Black. No action was taken against Powers and an indirect free-kick was awarded, though maybe justice was done after the previous penalty minutes before, and a questionable penalty award against the same player a week earlier. This incident got Garnett adrenalin coursing once more, and they forced a series of corners, all causing danger in the Mysterons area. A corner floated in by sub Hughes was attacked by Powers and Watson, and the ball spilled to Keith Jones. Time seemed to stand still as the ball refused to sit down, but Jones managed to poke the ball goalwards, where Concoran was on hand to squeeze the ball past the massed defenders to the great delight of the Garnett players. Mysterons tried to come back, but this time Garnett were determined not to let the precious three points slip away, and the last few minutes passed without major incident. Every Garnett player had an excellent game - old heads Watson, Miller and Wonders were as strong as ever, and there were eye-catching performances from rookies Adam Bell, and Dan Concoran whose skill and tireless running were rewarded with the M.O.M vote. Other results mean that the Bs need only a point from Thursday's game with Dynamo Fenham. However they will be looking for all three to finish the season in style and secure top-flight Corinthians football for Garnett next season. They also have some scores to settle with the only team in the league they are yet to beat this season. Team: Shaw, Church, Miller, Powers, Eldson (Hughes), Jones , Wonders, Pollard 1, Concoran 1, A.Bell 1, Watson |