The Academy won their third game out of four with an eventful 5-3 win over Diggers.

Garnett gave sesonal debuts to goalkeeping legend Sammy Haillay, former Under 19 manager Nicky Bremner back from Mexico and backup player Andy Brown while Dan Commane dropped down form the Reserves to partner Robbo at the back.

Playing on an Under 12 postage sized pitch Garnett struggled to get their passing game going on and often lost possession by choosing the difficult option but it soon became clear that Bremner and Adam Bell had far too much pace for the veteran visiting defence.  Captain Shaun McGill and the again impressive fresher Chris Inman gradually took control of the centre of midfield.  Several good chances were missed before Inman played in Adam Bell who sprinted clear to drive home in the bottom corner.

Soon after Tom Cullen's gigantic throw bounced up on to the bar and Potter reacted the quickest to acrobatically force the home in from close range.  Unfortunately Garnett did not kill the game off and were very vulnerable to pacy Diggers counter attacks, Diggers gained hope and confidence shortly before half time when Haillay was left no chance when a shot took a deflection and looped over him.

The second half followed a similar pattern with Garnett looking dangeorus whenever they passed the ball simply into space but worryingly suspect at the back where veterans Robbo and Hailly had to be constantly alert to clear the danger.  Luckily Garnett kept scoring, Bremner playing his first game in a year showed real quality despite his lack of match fitness producing two superb finishes and setting up Inman for a tap in between.

Diggers pulled back goals to at 3-2 and late on at 5-3 both due to poor tracking back by wide midfield players.  Adam Bell deservedly won Man of the Match honours with his tirelss running and good hold up play. Garnett should be encouraged by the fact they have been creating plenty of chances but concnerned about their defensive organisation.  Hopefully there will be a big improvement in the next game.

Author: P.Powlett

Haillay, Farrant (William-Powlett), Cullen, Commane, Robins, Inman 1, Brown, McGill, Bremner 2, Adam Bell MOM 1, Holme 1

NB: The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the
views of the Gosforth Garnett Bohemian Football Club as a whole.