Report by David Winter
Up against Esh Winning Cricket Club, the first game of the season arrived with a strong sense of belief that we can have another successful campaign following last seasons promotion. This was a cup game and the lads are desperate to get to a cup final this season after agonisingly missing out in the League Cup Semi Final last year.
After a 'quiet' FIFA night round Mr Adam Davies household, many of the lads turned up in a very bad state with some not even getting any sleep! Not ideal preparations but we still managed to get a team out with four subs too which shows the strength in depth we have got this season. Despite being in a bad way, Sacriston did not want to let Esh, from Divison 3, cause an upset.
The game started with Sacriston seeing plenty of the ball whilst Esh resorted to long balls up field to their big and powerful striker. The first piece of action came when Luke Wilson received a good through ball from Dan Johnson and took it around the last defender before blasting high and wide into the housing estate with his left foot - a certain fine. The first goal however was just around the corner and it was lovely team move. The ball found it's way down the right hand side to David Winter who cut in and played a good through ball between the defenders to Chris Mordue who cleverly played a first time pass across the goal mouth where the fox in the box Wilson was on hand to put it past the keeper. A great goal which saw a big smile on Gaffa Sanderson's face.
The match then turned scrappy with their players grunting as they tackled and the football being played was not the greatest. After a long clearance down field, Sacriston somehow managed to bag a second goal. The opposition goalie took an age to come off his line to get to the ball but Dan Johnson did not hang around and showed great pace to intercept the ball and stick it into the empty net for 2-0.
Sacriston then proceeded to turn on the style with some good fast flowing football which soon resulted in a third goal. Luke Wilson cut down the left wing before pulling the ball back to the edge of the box. The onrushing Chris Mordue took one touch to settle the ball before unleashing a thunderous strike into the bottom left hand corner. As the ball hit the back of the net Mordue's shirt was straight off and he ran over to an excited female section of the crowd who could not believe their luck when the pin-up boy started tensing and flexing his many muscles.
Sacriston were soon 4-0 up after Dan Henderson played a delightful cross into the area which met the chest of Dan Johnson. Again, he took one lovely touch to set himself before scoring an incredible over head kick which looped over the keeper - a very good goal. Esh then had a five minute spell of pressure leading to a couple of chances but Adam Davies stood firm in goal, making one fine save in particular low to his right hand side.
HALF TIME
The second half started very scrappy, which seemed to suit Esh who became stronger in the match. Suddenly they pulled a goal back which seemed to wake Sacriston up. The score was soon 5-1 when a free-kick was lofted into the box where Dan Johnson cushioned the ball off his chest into the path of Luke Wilson who struck a fine volley into the bottom corner. A good finish from the wee man. However Sacriston were pegged back immediately from the kick off which made the score 5-2.
The game then did turn ugly with Mordue receiving a yellow card for fighting and there were numerous 'collisions' happening in the penalty areas during corners which were overlooked by the ref, with Scrapper White at the heart of things but luckily he managed to somehow keep his cool. Luke Wilson then received a yellow card for uttering foul and abusive language towards the ref who had no choice but to book the 'wee' youngster. Wilson, who the previous evening saw his younger brother Adam lift the prestigious FIFA trophy after defeating the Ice Man 6-1 in the final, will not be pleased with picking up a cheap yellow!
Esh did manage to mount some pressure on Sacriston towards the end with a few corners and free kicks which eventually led to a goal but it was too little too late and the referee blew for full time. Sacriston controlled the game for large parts and it was a comfortable win in the end. The football played was good at times and will continue to improve as the season continues to get underway. Credit to the defence after they had to endure a lot of long balls played to a big striker but they handled it well. The midfielders bosssed the middle of the park which allowed Sacriston to try and play football in the right way. Hopefully a cup run is on the cards.
Their team awarded man of the match to Luke however we have given Dean Smith man of the match after a solid performance at left back then centre half when he had to move across in the second half.
Next game is Thursday night at home to Ouston Cherry Tree in the league.
