Wardens fall in seven goal thriller

Farne Island Wardens 3 - 4 Seahouses Boatmen

Warden discussion: Hick, Still and Steel in debate

Defensive duties - the wardens prevent a further goal

Just wide - Hopkins (blue shirt) cracks a shot just wide of the post

Boatman man of the match - Andy Smith (well played)

The big game was on, it was time for scores to be even as the wardens took on the Seahouses boatmen for the second game of the season. The game kicked off with the boatmen pressing from the off, and the advantage showed as the ever dangerous Craig scored following a defensive mix up amongst the wardens. It was an early blow to the wardens, hoping to bounce back from April’s defeat and unfortunately things went from bad to worse soon after, as Weightman hammered a second and the wardens had an uphill battle on their hands.

However not all was lost and despite the goal, the wardens became galvanised as play started to flow and the wardens started carving chances. Some good link-up play with Steel, Hopkins and Moss saw Steel flash a fierce drive just wide and this was just the start of things to come. The chance encouraged the wardens to push on and more great play saw Hopkins and Moss create a chance for Scott to finish in style to bring the lads back into the game. The momentum of the game had changed as the warden team surged forward, with Still and Cockram working hard in midfield, backed by Steel and Scott, with player of the moment Hopkins pulling the strings.

The wardens pushed on and forced a corner which was expertly swung in by Moss with Hopkins crashing a header home to bring the scored level. It was a deserved equaliser and more joy was to follow, as a through ball found Moss in on goal, and with all the time in the world, slotted the ball home to turn the game on its head, as the wardens were 3-2 up as the half-time whistle blew.

Once again, as like the first game, the wardens appeared to suffer a lack of concentration early in the second half as the boatmen were soon level. Captain Pringle, working effortlessly once again, broke clear and drove home from close range to bring the scores level with plenty to play for. The wardens appeared rattled and Pringle showed no mercy as he skipped a number of challengers and put the boatmen ahead by 4-3 soon after. It was a blow for the wardens as they never recovered as despite over twenty minutes to play, the team never found the elusive goal. It was obvious the team had rattled the boatmen, as with minutes to spare, time was been wasted, but the boatmen hung on for their second win of the season. It was a bitter blow to the wardens, who had worked hard and once again, had let a lead slip. Next time, surely we can go one better. As for me, I was proud of the lads and gutted it never showed in the scoreline. Bragging rights remain with the boatmen, but everyone knows its only a matter of time....