Having finished last season as champions of the Championship, winning by just one point with a nervy draw in the last game, Fairlands fortunes did not pick up going into the new Premiership season. With half the squad away on international duty a makeshift team was crafted with no fewer than 4 new players being brought in and another call up for Brendan Newton. (Tom Farr, Connor Kerr, Jordan Butler, Alex Usher).
The early stages of the game showed the experience of Ivory Toast who kept possession effectively however never really breaking over the half way line thanks to some good pressure from Fairlands who wore red bibs. They continued to chase down the opposition and soon enough they were rewarded for their hard work when a goal kick was headed back towards the goal from the halfway line by Mark Gentleman and with his back to goal and allowing only one bounce it was Tom Farr who eloquently turned and lashed a half-volley home past a standstill keeper much to the prevail of Ivory Ghost.
Fairlands often looked comfortable on the ball and were creating some good openings however it was Chicken Roast who made their time on the ball count. Some good play in the final third led to a nice one two around keeper Sean Glennon and an easy tap in for their striker with Glennon in disbelief the Fairlands defence let themselves be cut open so easily.
The floodgates had opened and the defensive mistakes were aplenty and with one goal came two. Glennon who overall had a decent game made plenty of vital saves was at fault for the 3rd goal after he decided he had no option but to try a short pass from the back only to give possession away cheaply and coincidently a goal. The end of the first half drawing to a close First Class Post scored their 4th effectively putting the game to bed. A disappointing end to what was a strong start.
Fairlands took to the second half with a 0-0 attitude and started to up their game and take it to South Coast. Phil Powell pulling the strings in a defensive midfield linking up the majority of play spreading the ball outwide to Alex Usher and Connor Kerr who in turn couldn't break down the final line of defence. The chances came but with Gameshow Host now resorting to foul play in order to break down any positive attack nothing was coming for Fairlands until Gentleman was deliberately kicked from behind whilst inside the penalty area. A chance to bring themselves back in the game, Gentleman took the spot kick and side footed it into the bottom corner with the keeper getting a hand on it but not enough to deny his first goal of the season. It was a small glimmer of hope for the bibs as they continued to dominate the game but it wasn't to be as they couldn't muster anymore decent chances and so the game ended 4-2.
A heart breaking start to the new season because they will feel they could have got something out of the game against an average side. With the Squad returning next week they will hope they can break the slump in form and return to winning ways.
Star Man *
This week goes to new recruit Tom Farr who made a nuisance of himself all game and looked very good on the ball. As well as expertly taking his goal with a sublime finish.
