On quagmire of a pitch, the Academy were disappointed to lose their crucial top of the table clash to a stronger and more determined Washington team better suited to the conditions.

Despite a strong performance by the Academy back 4 in which Robbo was immense and Paul Turner composed at the heart, the Academy trailed 2-0 at half time as they all too often got bogged down in the ploughed field of the centre of the pitch rather than using the drier wide areas.

The second half saw the Academy dominate possession and create enough good chances to get a result, the otherwise reliable finsihers Nicky Bremner and Mark Envy both missed clear 1 on 1s but too many opportunities were wasted through poor execution or poor decision making.

Robbo forced home a late consolation goal to give the Bohs some hope but the home central defenders were in strong form in front of their excellent keeper and they held out for a deserved win. Hopefully this performance can be put down to the old Garnett first game back after Christmas phenoma but Robbo will be looking for nmuch more energy and commitment in the remaining games of the season.

Escape from criticism were pacy fresher debutant Adrian Patel who showed a great attitude at right back making one fearless goal saving challenge and overlapped with no little skill.  John Doyle, the former Newcastle University captain made a welcome return to the club after an 18 month absent, while clearly not 100% fit, he was as busy as ever and hopefully will soon be strengthening the 1st team squad.

Author: P.William-Powlett

Team: Wilkinson, Patel, Riley, Turner, Robins 1 MOM, Inman, Proud (sub Thorp), Doyle, Bremner, Envy, Holme sub not used William-Powlett

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.