Garnett were left totally frustrated after totally dominating this game against lowly Lindisfarne. Keeper James Poole did not make one save all game as Garnett had the vast majority of possession but they could only manage one goal against dogged and well-organized opponents who defended their lead with intelligence and industry. Garnett could offer the excuse that all time leading scorer Danny Sherwood was absent but not that of having to play on a bobbly Benson Park as the fixture was rearranged to the excellent Wallsend sports centre pitch due to a pre-arranged Reserve fixture.

With wide men Dan Corcoron and Rich Watson staying wide, Reserve team leader David Robinson holding the ball up intelligently on his debut and David Alexander having one of his more effective games in the centre of midfield, Garnett played quality football throughout but lacked the cutting edge. All too often good position were squandered by a failure to get in an early cross or a failure for players to get in the box in support of Jason Thompson. Still Garnett created more than enough chances to win but wasted them or were denied by the erratic but brave home custodian.

Lindisfarne scored with their only on target attempt midway through the first half when their centre half lost his marker to head in a corner from 8 yards. This inspired Garnett to raise the tempo but Lindisfarne defended with depth, conceding the attacking half to Garnett who lacked the know how and movement to consistently break them down. At half time Garnett were confident of turning the game around but despite their best efforts they could only score once when substitute Martin Wonders scored within minutes of his entry into the fray, winning the chase to bundle a loose ball over the line after an excellent break by Thompson. Lindisfarne then hung on desperately to their point crowding the box with players. They occasionally broke away and on one of these occasions keeper Poole broke his nose courtesy of centre half Adam Alexander's elbow. In typical courageous fashion he returned to the fray after picking up the fragments and mopping up the blood. With all three substitutes used, one of them Martin Pollard took the gloves in the interlude.

All in all a frustrating and unfortunate day from which much should be learned.

Team: J.Poole, M.Buckley (MoM), C.Rowson, D.Alexander, A.Alexander, S.Cavanagh,
R.Watson (M.Wonders 1) D.Mercer, J.Thompson, D.Robinson (G.Hopkins), D.Corcoran (M.Pollard)