Garvary United kicked-off their pre-season preparations in style – scoring four goals in the process.
The Sceptre Premier League side struggled to field a team of eleven for the friendly at Elm Road as many of their more established players were deemed unavailable.However, the crisis provided Garvary gaffer Colin Ekers with the opportunity to adjudge the abilities of two trialists – Lee Anderson and Simon Rowland.
It did not take long for Garvary’s superiority to become apparent against a side that compete two divisions below them.
Defensive stalwart and dead-ball specialist, Marc Baker – who met the opted long-ball of Shoebury with his head commandingly throughout the game - showcased his accuracy and provided a ball into the box from a free-kick to create the Goldenbears’ opening goal after 5 minutes.
His cross was whipped in with pace 10 yards right of the ‘D’ and found the forehead of player/manager Ekers – who powered home the header from close range.
The remainder of the first-half was tightly contested. Garvary ‘ keeper Craig Childs was forced to make a smart save midway through, and was fortunate to see the ball loop over his crossbar following a mix-up in the Garvary defence just prior to the sound of the half-time whistle.
Garvary had more cause for concern following Daniel Wilson’s shock-injury.
The centre-half was rushed to hospital with a suspected rib break and was subsequently replaced during the interval.
It was Shoebury that created the first scoring opportunity after the restart. The side worked their way into the Garvary box, and were awarded a penalty following a rash challenge on their forward.
It was Shoebury that created the first scoring opportunity after the restart. The side worked their way into the Garvary box, and were awarded a penalty following a rash challenge on their forward.
Shoebury failed to level the score, and tamely placed the spot-kick wide of the post.
The Goldenbears then proceeded to raise their tempo.
Trialists Anderson and Rowland seemed to settle as the game progressed and it was combative midfielder Anderson – assisted by skillful Colombian-born number 10 Michael Gerrard (pictured below) – who grabbed the second goal just short of the hour mark.
Garvary enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and it was not long before they chalked up a three goal advantage.
This time it was the turn of trialist Rowland – wearing number 9 – to impress and he saw his low drive palmed away by the Shoebury goalkeeper and into the path of strike partner Ekers; who tucked the ball neatly into the net for his second of the game.
The imposing number 9 completed the rout – drilling home a low effort having created space for himself inside the penalty area.
The striker linked up well with Ekers and gave the Garvary boss every reason to ask him back to play a part in the forthcoming season.
Ekers had the chance to bag his hat-trick in the 76th minute – until his shot cruelly rebounded off the post.
Garvary United will be delighted to have got off to a winning start, despite missing some star-names, and pleased that the friendly match lived up it its billing (below).
