GARNETT WED B TEAM REPORT
Wed 24th September 2003 Leazes Terrace 1 (0) vs. (1) 2 Garnett B

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, Garnett B's fresher orientated team had a tough first match on paper, with the formidable Leazes Terrace (Champions Farcelona from last year) lining up with only 2 changes to the team that clinched the Division 1 title the year previously. So it was with heavy heart that Thorpe made his division 1 managerial debut.

The rest of the team however, ignored Thorpe's doom-mongering, and set about putting in the most accomplished 1st day display that this reporter had ever seen. Straight from the first whistle, the B's midfield began their assault on the opposing side's heels, snapping at every opportunity like Jack Russells, though with more bite and determination. Even though Leazes had more of the possession in the first 20 minutes, the only time they threatened was from long balls that the rather lacklustre Thorpe misjudged. However, the 2 full backs Anderson and Monaghan came to the manager's rescue on more than one occasion.

Eventually Garnett started threatening the Leazes goal, with Perry and Penn providing the dangerous passes, and both Heslop and Bell going close for Garnett. A goal looked imminent, and on the half hour, one came.
A Leazes Terrace attack broke down, and Garnett counter attacked with venom. A gorgeous interchange of passing in the midfield led to Bell breaking free down the left, cutting in, and placing the ball beautifully in the bottom right hand corner. 1-0 Garnett. This wasn't in the script. Garnett B, a respectable 6th last season, and supposed relegation fodder this season, leading the champions? It certainly gave the lads confidence, and they finished the half well on top.

Hindle replaced Penn at half time, with Moore going into the heart of the midfield. It proved an astute decision. Murray replaced Brydon 5 mins into the second half.

The first 15 minutes of the second half were fairly predictable, as Leazes attacked with ferocity not seen previously. The defence stood firm however, no doubt buoyed by the inspirational half time team talk, and then the B's counter attacked once more. After some astonishing trickery by Heslop in the corner, which allowed him to turn and cross in seemingly no space, there was a scramble in the area. It seemed the chance had been missed, until Moore popped up, and slammed the ball left footed into the top corner. 2-0 Garnett, and in dreamland!
Leazes Terrace visibly sagged after that, despite hitting the post, and didn't put up much of a fight. Those watching on the touchline could sense that it was over as a contest. Until...

...with 10 minutes remaining, Simms had to close down a midfielder, Thorpe went as well, and the ball was slipped through to the striker, who finished well. Harty, who had an excellent game in the Garnett goal, had no chance. 2-1.

Cue the longest 10 minutes of the manager's life. With visibly tiring limbs, Garnett somehow managed to hold on, with the excellent midfield helping out the defence, who had also been magnificent, especially, in this reporter's opinion, the 2 full backs, Man of the Match Rory Monaghan, and "That crazy Irish lad with the girly hair" Andy Anderson.

So 2-1 it finished, inciting wild scenes of jubilation and a minor pitch invasion. This reporter managed to obtain an interview with Manager Thorpe. When asked his views, he responded,
"It was definitely a rewrite of David and Goliath, except that we used a football instead of a pebble, and no-one was killed..." Rumours that Thorpe then tried to scab a cigarette off the referee have been grossly exaggerated.

So, a winning start to the season for "Mighty" Garnett B, and the team must surely be feeling confident going into the second match of the season.

Other News:
"My Diesel Hell"- Exclusive interview with MoM Monaghan,
"Following in the footsteps of a Not-So-Great"- Profile of Andy Bell.

Team: K.Harty, A.Anderson, R.Monaghan (MoM), S.Simms, R.Thorpe, T.Perry, S.Moore 1,
T.Penn (A.Hindle), N.Heslop, T.Brydon (P.Murray), Andy Bell 1.

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