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Wednesday 10th April 2002 Gateshead
Three Tuns 2 (1) vs. (2) 4 Garnett 1st
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| Match Report Garnett went 5 points clear at the top of the table with a highly committed performance away to Champions 3 Tuns. Garnett quickly realized how to break down the 3 Tuns not so effective offside trap. After a few near misses, the Green and Black took the lead when Christian Valenza ran from deep to slot home. Shortly after Gaz Hopkins was set free and his powerful run and cross set up Andy Ree for the second. Against the run of play 3 Tonnes pulled one back with an excellently struck free kick. Garnett made the best possible start to the second half when Peter Curtis blasted in his 3rd of the season after Carnley's header from Ree's corner had caused confusion. The Green and Black looked in control but a pot shot out of the blue gave the 3 Tuns belief and they began dominating possession with their superior passing. Despite this they created virtually nothing due to excellent and committed defending from the Green and Black back four and a willingness of the rest of the team to get behind the ball, none more so then David Mercer who competed whole heartedly in his new central midfield role. Andy Ree was also reported to have been seen in the Garnett penalty box on one occasion! Garnett still looked dangerous on the break but the clincher did not come until the last minute when Carnley audaciously chipped the keeper from just inside the opposing half, substitute Pollard claiming the assist. Altogether a very pleasing effort against a good team, in which everybody played their part. Team: Gracie, Cusworth, Curtis 1, Carnley, Elliott, Mercer, Hopkins, Valenza 1 (Capt.), Watson (Pollard), Ree 1, Rowson |