On a cold and bitter night, the evening kick-Off was always going to a tough challenge for SG who faced the ever improving Village FC away in the Manchester CCL League 2 fixture. Village have had a string of wins recently and were scoring goals in their stride.
The game started with Village piling on the pressure down the left hand side but SG remained resilient with composed defending and a solid midfield. SG took there chance within 6 minutes when Ash McGivern found new signing Con Tierney who broke away from 2 defenders to slide the ball past Villages keeper. Mikey Bowden added a 2nd just after having a penalty appeal turned down when he turned his marker inside out and slotted another goal in as many games. Village worked hard and tested SG and there efforts were rewarded when they hit a ball from long range which slipped under the grasp of Brooks, 2-1 the score. Nevertheless, SG remained focused and 2 became 3 when Bowden dinked a ball in the air for young Niall Breeze who nodded SG's 3rd. Ste Ford replaced Breeze on 33 minutes and went out wide on the right. Just before the break, Tierney added a 4th after midfield workhorse Rossi Coulsten knocked a ball over the top with a delightful assist, Tierney on real form!
SG went in on the whistle and Barber replaced himself for Mark Eckersley at left back and debutant, Roben came on for Con Tierney. Village started the second half brightly and made threats to score, however, the solid defence of Dale, Boyle, Eckersley and Captain Rafferty denied all their efforts. Lee McGuiness replaced Tierney after he went down with cramp on 55 minutes, and it wasn't long before Conrad got on the score sheet again after another great assist from Bowden; Tierney's Hat-trick! SG grabbed another goal within moments after sub Breeze was found in space by Tierney who lofted the ball out of reach of Villages keeper. SG hadn't finished there! Mike Bowden applied SG's 7th of the evening after his brother 'Super Ste Ford' played him in. SG scored another 15 minutes from time when the team worked the ball from the back which was picked up on the left by defiant Ste Ford. Ford brought the ball forward and took a chance with a thunderous strike well outside the 18 yard box! SCREAMER!!!!!
Barber replaced the impressive Ford for new signing Ryan who took his place up front. Village did not give up and they grabbed another consolation before the final whistle from a defensive mistake. 8-0 the final score.
The squad will be without skill-full midfielder Ashley McGivern who suffered a knee injury 10 minutes from time. We all wish Ashley a speedy and full recovery. SG were impressive and worked for each other tirelessly for 90 minutes. There is a really good feeling in the camp quoted Manager Barber after the final whistle. It's good to have a squad of players who are determined to win every week. SG will have a break this Sunday but have been scheduled to play on Friday 24th January at 4pm for a Charity Match in aid of Ovarian Cancer. For further details on how you can join in please contact Danny.
