Saturday 19th March 2005 Lindisfarne Athletic 1 (0) vs.(0) 0 Garnett Bohemian

The Reserves turned in their worst performance of the season to deservedly lose by the only goal of the game away to a struggling Lindisfarne team, who were hungrier for the points.

Lindisfarne took a merited 10th minute lead with a great header from a whipped inswinging free kick, after a needless challenge. Minutes later an angry Lindisfarne player somehow managed to get himself sent off, to give the Reserves a man advantage. Unfortunately, the Reserves were unable to exploit this opportunity. as Lindisfarne sat deep and defended with real determination.

The Reserves showed much more commitment in the second half but lacked the composure and decision making ability to break down a well organised defence in which both centre halves were outstanding. The Reserves piled on the pressure with Nico Heslop and Martin Pollard prominent but struggled to create clear chances, despite Lindisfarne understandably tiring. Veteran home keeper John Creighton was in fine form on the rare occasions that he was needed. In the 90th minute the Reserves did at last have a clear chance but Andy Bell’s powerful shot was somehow cleared off the line by a brilliant diving header.

A very frustrating game, in which Lindisfarne scored with their only shot on target but ultimately the Reserves could have no complaints as too many of their players did not perform anywhere near the level that they were capable. Lindisfarne have done the double over the Reserves this season and with five very tough games to come, the Reserves are far from safe.

Author: Paddy

Team: K.Harty, A.Smith (R.Monaghan), C.Jackson, M.Pollard, A.Alexander, M.Laws,
N.Heslop (MoM), A.Parkinson, C.Allen, T.Penn, Andy Bell