Lost 1-3
Scorers: Brian Hurlow
MoM: Brian Hurlow
DoD: not awarded
With thanks to team sponsor MFri
So it was off to sunny Marden for the newly promoted Friars on their first league outing.
The first half was closely contested, with the Friars midfield and forwards putting together some good plays. Marden took a 1-0 lead, but the Friars battled on, the Friars forwards seeing less of the ball, frustrated by a well drilled Marden defence and youthful midfielders.
At half time the Friars’ captain/manager pondered how to unlock the Marden defence – who could inject that venom and menace and be the catalyst to instill fear in their hearts? Step forward suave vice-capitano Brian Hurlow assuming position on the right wing. A natural up front, needless to say it was not long before Hurlow pounced on the rebound from a Phil Dowling shot and slotted home a much needed equaliser. Further chances soon followed for Hurlow, but his clinical execution appeared to desert him. Having played many seasons with John “two goals is just fine for me” Aikin, the Friars are deft at spotting a bit of jug evasion, but to see this sad syndrome kick in after just one goal was quite something!
The Friars created some good opportunities upfront and the Marden keeper made some fine saves especially from short corners and Jamie Harris nearly converted an ariel into the D, but in the end no more goals were forthcoming.
Special mention to Euan Hutchinson, who had clearly recovered from last weeks’ nasty strain and was a dynamo in midfield, alongside veteran playmaker Phil Dowling and young newcomer Isaac Stroud who competed robustly on his debut.
It was a tough day at the office for Trigger and the Friars’ defence (Mike Barton, David Lane, Geoff Philpott & Biggles) who batted hard, but despite many saves and thwarted attacks conceded two more goals. It is very rare day indeed to see Trigger outfoxed, but he was bettered by a bearded Marden attacker with a cheeky reverse lob.
The final score was a deserved 3-1 win for Marden. In summary, this was a great and memorable day for Hurlow, but a somewhat disappointing reality check for the Friars in their first league outing. On reflection – in the terrific Marden clubhouse over sausage, chips, beans and beer – there were many strong individual performances in a newly constituted team so plenty of positives to build on…