The Academy battled tenaciously to defeat a strong Pinpoint Cowgate outfit in a top of the table clash.

With the A team idle, the Academy were strengthened by A team players keeper Steve Wilikinson, Darren Campbell, Dan Barrett and Mark Envy. All played a significant part in the victory. Wilkinson was a composed presence in goal and made some brilliant saves on the rare occasions Cowgate’s incessant pressure resulted in a clear shot at goal.

Campbell’s pace and tenacity at the heart of defence acted as a perfect compliment to inspirational centre half Adam Robins while Barrett and Envy contributed two breakaway goals. Full backs Shaun McGill and Tom Cullen were other players to impress with typically consistent performances. Youngsters Dan Quine and Chris Inman battled manfully in the heart of midfield against some quality and experienced players.

The Academy led 2-0 with a penalty by Adam Bell and R.Dyche’s first goal for the Academy before Cowgate pulled one back just before half time. The second half saw Cowgate attacking constantly and playing some excellent football. Despite surrendering possession and being outplayed for much of the game, Bohs defended with real heart and determination and continued to look dangerous on the counter attack.

With Cowgate pushing forward recklessly there was acres of space for the Academy to exploit behind the visiting defence, Adam Bell notched his second on another counter attack before hobbling off and despite a record number of offsides Envy slid in a misplaced defensive header intended for the keeper and Barrett thundered in another goal on the break.

Cowgate were becoming increasingly frustrated and lucky to keep 10 players on the pitch. They scored a consolation goal in injury time when Bohs were down to 10 after some bizarre refereeing prevented the injured Tom Cullen reenter the field of play.

This was a great and important victory for the Academy. The character and commitment shown can only promise well for the rest of the Championship campaign. Equally encouraging is that in fotballing terms this performance can be greatly improved on. The Academy now have won 6 and lost 2 games and sit top of a highly competitive league.

Author: P.Powlett

Team: S.Wilkinson MOM, S.McGill, T.Cullen, D.Campbell MOM, A.Robins, C.Inman (c), D.Quine, R.Dyche 1, D.Barrett 1, M.Envy 1, Adam Bell 2 (S.Cook)

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.