QE A Team v Gateshead College

After what would be considered a fairly lengthy winter break the A team were back in action against the big timers (Scotty's term) also known as Gateshead College in the league game away from home. The atmosphere on the bus was subdued with Paul New sleeping the full length of the journey while the rest of the players discussed University choices. For the first time this season the back seats were a first year only zone with Kieran Thompson, Craig Edwards and Josh Clark (Sam Read's apprentice) occupying those places.

From the first whistle Nathan Wright was giving a monumental performance in the middle of the park breaking up play with great work rate and providing quality when on the ball. The 3G surface suited him down to the ground with his confidence to receive the ball in tight situations and then be able to play out. Sam Read had passed a late fitness and despite his physical condition was performing well dominating the right winger who currently plays for the England Schoolboys squad (apparently). Against the wind QE were playing exceptionally well moving the ball around the pitch and giving the opposition little opportunity. The home teams best chance of the half came from a free kick which was clawed out of the top corner by Thompson. The showboat moment of the game came from skipper James Marshall. Receiving the ball from keeper Thompson before then flicking the ball over the strikers head in his own box followed by releasing it to a QE player. Half time the score was 0-0, solid defensive performances from Spence and Richardson had helped achieve this along with Grocott who was extremely effective playing the in Claude Makelele role.

Gateshead began to get on top of the game in the second half, probably due to the fact that they train 25 hours a week. Craig Edwards had ran himself into the ground playing the lone striker role. This responsibility was then given to Paul New who gave a 'Yakubu' like performance. It was clear that QE were going for the direct approach when Duncan Ferguson (Spence) was moved into the target man role. The A team's best chance of the game fell to Harry Spence with 7 minutes to play. Some good build up followed by a magic reverse pass by Nathan Wright fell directly into the path of Spence who cleared the astroturf with his usually trusted right foot. After some time wasting by the Gateshead players and referee the game had finished 1-0 to Gateshead.

Attendance - 28
MOM: Nathan Wright