Wardens Fall as Boatmen Hit Four

Wednesday 22nd April

Farne Islands Wardens 2 - 4 Seahouses Boatmen

The victorious Boatmen team

The aftermath - the warden team discuss where they went wrong

The anticipated National Trust Farne Island wardens vs Seahouses boatmen kicked off at 7pm on Wednesday evening. It was a lively start to the game, as the boatmen pressed forward but it was the wardens who broke through, with a decisive move being clinically finished by Steel. The wardens, buoyed on by the break through, surged forward in another quick counter attack and good control by Moss, saw the striker finish to put the wardens two nil up.

However the scoreline flattered the wardens slightly, as the lively Pringle (Glad Tidings 6 skipper), was pulling the threads for the boatmen, causing the wardens constant problems throughout. It wasn’t long before the boatmen were back in the game, as a fine volley (and goal of the match) by dangerman Craig (Glad Tidings 3 skipper), brought the scores back to 2-1. The wardens remained resolute with some good defending from McDonald and Hick, backed by the energetic sweeper Scott, but couldn’t prevent an equaliser on the stroke of half-time. A speculative shot from boatman Weightman (Glad Tidings 4 boat-hand), somehow managed to creep into the bottom corner of the net to bring the scores level on the stroke of half-time.

The blow of throwing away a two goal lead appeared to affect the wardens, as the start of the second half started badly. Defensive frailties and a rejuvenated boatmen team had their noses in front as Weightmen struck again, only minutes after the restart. The wardens, unable to deal with the constant attacking play, soon fell further behind as a slick move was finished by Pringle, to put the boatmen in firm control.

Thereafter the wardens settled and started playing some neat football again, with good running from Cockram, whilst Moss, Steel and Still all going close, but the goal which may have spurred a fight back could not be found. The final whistle blew after one hour of entertaining football and the wardens, despite defeat, can take some positives for the next game, in hope of reversing the defeat. The local bragging rights now fall to the boatmen, but not for long...

Boatman man of the match: Peter Dawson
Wardens man of the match: Adam Scott