| FIRST IN 1 FLEECE 9 |
| A very strong Fleece side gave First a footballing lesson on the first day of the season at the Showfield. Midfielder Darren Wright and defenders, Mark Jackson and Ant Hunter were out injured. Assistant manager Nick Trott slotted in at right-back, with Richard Usher making his debut at centre-half. Fleece, as expected, made the early running but failed to find their shooting boots in the opening stages. They finally took the lead after around ten minutes. But the score remained 1-0 for a long time, before a quick second. A late goal glut made it 5-0 at the break. First had a chance to pull a goal back when Mike Headlam was taken out inside the box, but player-manager James Howard's kick was blocked, and the midfielder then put the close range rebound wide. In the second half, Steve Grisedale replaced Jeff Morrison in attack, and Chris Headlam came on for Howard who suffered a x-rated slide challenge. Later, Usher limped off the field with Andrew Snaith his replacement. The Fleece won a late penalty when Mike Thomas handballed, but keeper Lee Wardill made a tremendous save. Despite the scoreline, Wardill had a terrific game and was certainly First's man of the match. Towards the end, Fleece lost a man through injury and First had muych more of the ball. A terrific through ball from Mick Bagshaw picked out Mike Headlam 20 yards from goal, and the youngster let fly with a beautiful chip that nestled in the Fleece net for a late consolation. L Wardill, Trott, Bagshaw, Usher(Snaith), Thomas, Owen, A Wardill, Abbott, Howard(C Headlam), Morrison(Grisedale), M Headlam. Subs not used: Elgey, Locker. |
| Sunday September 14th |
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