Ekers on strength in depth, Dellow's form and Day One

Garvary Gaffer Colin Ekers spoke to me in the build-up to Sunday's top-of-the-table clash with Day One and expects his players to give 110 per cent.

A lot has been made of your team’s thrilling fightback at the death of Sunday’s game. What was your view of the encounter?

Oh it was a cracking game wasn’t it? (I'm) Not too sure (if) I can cope with too many of those this season, otherwise I will probably be on deaths door by May! No, obviously we’re delighted. We showed great character and kept knocking on the door. I think, over the course of the game, we were the stronger team so I don’t think we got anything we didn’t deserve.

The Goldenbears have begun the campaign with back-to-back victories. How important was it for your side to claim maximum points so early in the season?

Obviously, it’s a great six points (that) we’ve picked up so far and its fantastic to get off to the start that we have done. We have another real test on Sunday against Day One, so we will have a better indication on Sunday afternoon of how we have started the season.

I caught up with Adam Moore earlier in the week. He revealed his disappointment with the number of goals conceded on Sunday that came as a result of concentration lapses at the back. How do you intend on eradicating those defensive errors?

In this league, you are always going to get punished for mistakes and, to be fair to Pro Max on Sunday, they took advantage and took their chances. It is whether the luck is going for us, but we are trying to iron out all of the mistakes that we are making. We are learning as we go along.

Garvary were missing several key players against Pro Max. How content are you with the depth and quality within the squad?

(It's) Mustard, we do really have strength in depth. It won’t be too long, hopefully, before the treatment room starts to empty out and we can start juggling our busy schedule better.

There have been a few stand-out performances in the two games this season. Who in your side has impressed you most?

They have all been mustard. Obviously, Del (Paul Dellow) is on top form. The boys at the back have answered the questions that I have been asking of them for a while now, and additions like little Chrissy (Chris Reade) have really helped. He scored a cracker on Sunday, straight out the top drawer. I've been delighted, but we haven’t even done a quarter of the job yet and we still have a lot of work to do on the training ground. The only problem with that is we don’t train, so I’ll send out a couple of texts and hopefully we can push on!

Next Sunday’s fixture sees Garvary travel to title-contenders Day One. They completed a winning double over you last season. How do you think that will affect the players mentally?

We go into every game with the same desire, and that’s to win. This game won’t be any different, we know that we are in for a tough game. They are a mustard side, they beat Talwin a fortnight ago and the double over us last year is something which we will be aiming to put right. We try not to dwell on the past. That’s done now. We are both very different teams from a year ago, so were just looking forward to a good game of football.

What are your expectations for the game?

Like I said, my expectations are the same for every game, we want to pick up as many points early on in the season as we can. It's going to be a tough game and Day One will be looking to extend their 100 per cent record, as will we. My expectation of each player is simple: that they give 110 per cent, they concentrate for 90 minutes, they communicate, they play sexy football, they work their [censored] off; and, most importantly, they enjoy themselves.

What will your message be for the players prior to the top of the table clash?

Some things are best left in the dressing room, Mark, and besides I have got to run. I’ll catch up with you later fella….

I appreciate you taking your time to answer my questions and wish you all the best for Sunday’s game.

Club captain Adam Moore on an important three points, confidence and the need to focus

Garvary United captain Adam Moore spoke to me following Sunday's dramatic win at the Hall and was in confident mood.

Garvary enjoyed a dramatic victory in an eight-goal thriller at home to Pro Max on Sunday. What was it like to be involved in a game that seemed to have it all?

Well, first and foremost, I was glad we managed to get the three points. The gaffer and me had a meeting in the week and both agreed it would be a tough game, and so it proved to be. But to be involved in a game like that is always special, especially when your on the winning team.

Your side needed three goals in the final seven minutes to snatch the victory. Do you believe you deserved to come away with all three points?

Over the 90 minutes, I felt we were the better team, and it’s a lesson to Pro Max that a match lasts 90 minutes, not 83 (minutes). But, I felt we were more threatening and played the better football throughout; and thoroughly deserved to win. We just got punished for getting sloppy at important periods in the game.

Garvary appeared to come into their own following Dellow’s 83rd minute equalizer. Why do think you only began playing the football we all know you are capable of so late in the game?

Well, I think (in the) first half we were in control without threatening their goal too much, and we said at half time that the second goal in the game would be important. We switched off and they got the second goal. That knocked the stuffing out of us a bit, and lifted them, so (it) was tough from then onwards. But, I think after Gal's (a reference to goal-scorer Paul Dellow's close resemblance to friend of the club Gary Baum) goal, we really believed we could win the game, and I think Pro Max knew that too.

As captain and centre-half, how disappointed were you to have conceded three goals in your first home fixture?

As you know I'm a perfectionist, and to concede goals at any stage of any game is disappointing, so yeah, we were not happy. We know that conceding goals was a problem last season and if we want to challenge for the title it's something we need to address. But, we have been working hard in training on stopping teams having chances and its working. (I was) speaking to Cracker (Craig Childs) after the game, he told me he only made two saves all game so it shows we are improving and that we just need to focus as a group for 90 minutes. Otherwise, in this league, you get punished…as Cracker found out (on) Sunday.

What is the feeling in the dressing room after your 100 per cent start to the season?

The lads are buzzing at the moment. We cant wait for the next game and that’s what winning does, it breeds confidence. We know not to get ahead of ourselves as this game has a habit of biting you on the backside. But this has been the best start the team has made since I joined the club, so we are obviously delighted.

And finally, what is the latest news on your brother’s [Garvary midfielder Stewart Moore] fitness?

Stewie is doing fine. He is working on his own personal fitness programme with the physios at the moment and I think is looking at another two or three weeks before we can expect to see him in the yellow strip again. But, with the injured players returning in the near future, Stew, SJ (Steve Johnson) etc, we will really have competition for places which is always healthy at a top club.

Thanks for your time Mark.

Late goal drama seals thrilling Goldenbear victory

Garvary United 5-3 Pro Max

(Ekers 30, Sparrow 48 88, Dellow 83, C Reade 89)

The Garvary Goldenbears exploded into life to score in each of the final two minutes in an eight-goal thriller against Pro Max at the Hall.

Despite a nervy start, Garvary completely outclassed their opponents in the second half and fully merited their enthralling victory.

A period of pressure, supported by the marauding runs of full-backs Underwood and Baker, was to see Garvary take the lead on the half-hour mark.

Tricky winger Paul Dellow drove purposefully towards goal before cutting inside to deliver an out-swinging cross that met the the perfectly-timed run of Colin Ekers - who glanced the ball deafly inside the far post eight yards from goal.


The game fell into a scrappy lull following the goal, with centre-half Daniel Wilson and the returning Lewis Sparrow winning the majority of the aerial battles.

Goal-scorer Ekers brought the first-half proceedings to a close by dragging a speculative effort wide of the left post from 20 yards.

The second-half began disastrously for Garvary. A long ball over the top and in behind both Wilson and Adam Moore allowed Pro Max time and space to equalise by placing a shot past Childs and into the bottom corner on 47 minutes.

The Goldenbears refused to let the setback deflate them and fought back with an immediate response to regain their lead.

Marc Baker – exceptional at right-back throughout – delivered the ball into the box for Sparrow to head home and celebrate his Garvary return with a goal.

The Goldenbears’ lack of composure at the back cost them dearly again as they surrendered their lead for a second time on 55 minutes.

Garvary number 1 Craig Childs suffered from a rush of blood to the head and made an ill-judged decision to race from his line in an attempt to smother the ball at the feet of a Pro Max attacker running wide of goal.

His sprawl for the ball appeared to bring down the player and, much to the ‘keeper’s dismay, was adjudged to have been worthy of a spot-kick.

Childs guessed the direction of the ball correctly but could only watch as it flew beyond his reach and into the bottom corner.

Shortly after, Childs adhered to make amends – turning a fine Pro Max effort around his near post.

His opposite number was next to be called into action by Chris Reade’s quickly-taken free-kick and the composed midfielder’s strike at goal was pushed wide for a corner.

The resulting corner allowed Ekers to make another attempt at goal – flashing the ball just wide of the far post.

Minutes later, Pro Max bruised Goldenbear pride by heading in from a corner to make it 2-3 with less than half an hour remaining.

The away side threatened to double their advantage when Wilson appeared to get caught out at the back, but their tame effort was struck straight at Childs.

On 68 minutes, the referee awarded a penalty to Garvary after Matt Crumbie, who had just beaten two defenders in the box, was hacked to the ground only to bizarrely overturn the decision after consulting the Pro Max-affiliated linesman.

The highly controversial episode enraged the Goldenbears, but the referee – whose decisions had been frequently called into question throughout – would not relent to the furious reactions and called for the game to resume.

Garvary began to search desperately for an equalizer, frustrated not only by the referee but by their failure to impose their visible superiority on the scoreline.

Reade pulled a shot wide of the right-hand post from the edge of the area on 72 minutes and that was closely-followed by a purposeful Ekers dribble into the box that had to be denied at close-range with a last-ditch challenge.

Crumbie then appeared to be hauled down in the area for a second time, only to have his protests waved away by the sub-par referee.

Garvary’s winning mentality held strong and was rewarded with a superb and much-desired equaliser in the 83rd minute.

Paul Dellow - who had shaken off an earlier knock to pose a constant threat in the Garvary frontline – carried the ball into the box and kept his composure to calmly slot the ball low into the far-bottom corner.

What followed on 88 minutes was far from calm.

Lewis Sparrow forced the Goldenbears into a dramatic lead by following up his hooked effort that had rebounded off the bar with a header that looped over the despairing Pro Max ‘keeper and into the bottom corner.

The goal sent both players and fans into frenzied celebrations on the sidelines.

It was not to be the final goal of the game as Chris Reade put the icing on the cake by ending patient Garvary build-up with a shift inside onto his left foot and by curling a classy finish past the ‘keeper and into the top corner. A piece of skill that was appreciated for its beauty by his team-mates.

The goal rewarded the Goldenbears for their refusal to adopt an uglier direct approach after falling behind, and will encourage them to maintain their ideals of flowing and attractive football to the bitter end as they go marching on.

Man of the Match: Paul Dellow - Created the opener and gave his side the platform to grab their dramatic victory with a goal that drew the game level seven minutes from the end.

Garvary fire warning to rivals with emphatic win

Leigh United 0-3 Garvary United (Dellow 16, M Reade 55, Moore 65)

Garvary United began their Sceptre Premier Division campaign in comprehensive fashion with an away drubbing of hotly-tipped Leigh United at Blenheim Park.

The fired-up Goldenbears put the home side under pressure almost immediately after kick-off and didn’t look back, despite an early collision between Adam Moore and Craig Childs in goal that left the inspirational captain nursing a painful back injury.

Simon Rowland was the first to try his luck – thrashing a vicious strike wide after 11 minutes.

The effort proved to be a warning shot as a second bout of Garvary pressure resulted in the opener.

Paul Dellow received the ball in the area and ignored the attention of two defenders with superb quick feet to shift inside and drill the ball past Leigh’s despairing ‘keeper low into the net.

Garvary didn’t rest on their laurels as player/gaffer Colin Ekers got in behind the Leigh defence only to be stopped by a last-ditch challenge that deflected the ball off for a corner.

Leigh were awarded a free-kick 20 yards from goal shortly after and Childs had to be at his best to prevent the equalizer with a save to his right.

The remainder of the first-half was tightly-contested, but it was Garvary that posed the greater threat.

Marc Baker, surprisingly lacking composure, lashed a long-range effort high over the bar on the half-hour mark.

Shortly before the break, Matt Reade hit a tame effort from distance into the ‘keeper’s arms and Rowland – whose running in behind and into the channels caused problems throughout the game – flashed a dangerous ball across goal, but unfortunately lacked support.

On the stroke of half-time, the Goldenbears had a penalty claim turned down after Dellow’s shot appeared to be charged down and blocked by a hand.

Garvary took the game to Leigh in the second-half and saw a furious dipping strike by Rowland from all of 30 yards tipped over the bar on 51 minutes.

Baker, playing at right-back, was the next to come close with an acrobatic overhead kick from the resulting corner that was turned round the post.

The pressure mounted from the subsequent corner as Ekers struck a low drive just wide from a tight angle.

A minute later, the Goldenbears won a penalty.

Ekers, part of a three-pronged attack, was clear through on goal after rounding the advancing ‘keeper and hauled down just yards from goal – resulting in the spot-kick and a booking for the offending player.




Matt Reade despatched the penalty with aplomb and sent the 'keeper the wrong way to double his side’s advantage.

An error by the combative Darren Keane resulted in a corner for the home side and they came close to scoring – heading just over from six yards.

Garvary’s dominance was emphasised by a third goal just after the hour mark.

A wave of Goldenbear attacks forced a corner that was swung in for Moore to score with a bullet header at the near post.

The away side opened Leigh up at will and could have added to the scoreline as the game progressed.

A flowing attacking move sent Mark Underwood - also known as Sparky - through on goal only for the left-back to see his shot saved low down on 68 minutes.

Tempers began to fray as the game wore on, with the referee having to intervene to restore order.

Second-half substitute Daniel Wilson’s intense pressing almost amalgamated a goal and he was unlucky to see the ball roll out after charging down the ‘keeper’s clearance.

On 78 minutes Matt Reade turned his man and hit an effort that was saved from the edge of the box.

Leigh’s frustration began to show as petulant back-chat to the referee resulted in another yellow card being brandished to the home side.

Garvary’s commitment didn’t wane in the latter stages as Keane won the ball with a crunching challenge close to the halfway line, but was left in a heap by his heroics and was duly substituted.

Several chances were carved out by the Goldenbears in the final ten minutes of the game.

Matt Reade – playing alongside brother Chris in the centre – was sent through and struck an effort just wide of the post from an acute angle.

Another incisive through pass, this time from Baker, played Wilson in on goal, but the substitute failed to make his impact felt as he shot tamely at the ‘keeper from close-range.

Garvary, despite missing the creativity of several key midfielders including Michael Gerrard (below), recorded an emphatic victory which suggests that the squad has the strength in depth required to challenge on all fronts.

Man of the Match: Adam Moore – Snuffed out Leigh’s attacks commandingly at the back alongside David Skinner and bagged a goal despite suffering an early knock.

Ekers on summer arrivals, Gerrard and the season ahead

Prior to this Sunday's big kick-off, Garvary Gaffer Colin Ekers took time to give me an insight into the club's expectations for the coming season, and also play down lengthy lay-offs for Michael Gerrard and Stewart Moore.



Having completed your pre-season preparations, how do you feel the team is coming together?

I've been pleased with pre-season. A couple of the new lads have come in and shown great potential, obviously we have a bigger squad this year and the goal has got to be to push on with the big boys. We still have a lot to do in terms of gelling as a team as there are a lot of new faces. It's a shame we had the V-festival break, but thats football these days. We have only had one training session to prepare for fixtures, but thats the schedule and its no different for anyone else.

There have been several departures from the club during close-season. Who do you believe your side will miss the presence of most?

Well, we'll miss 'em all. Every player that has left will be sorely missed as they are all mustard players that have left, they really are.

You have adjudged the abilities of several trialists during pre-season. Who have you brought in to replace those that have left the club?

Well, as you know we've signed a few mustard players. Sammo's come over and done good. We looked at a couple of attacking options and were lucky enough to bring over Si (Simon Rowland) and Sj (Steve Johnson) who will cause big problems. Jim (Holmwood) will sure up the back, and(we've had) fantastic news recently of two more brothers keeping the family vibe of the club strong, with little Wils (James Wilson) and Chrissy, and when you add Streety (Sam Street), Big Phil (Phil Joseph) and Locky you could definitely say we've been busy this year! Just glad its over, my phone ain't stopped ringing!

You gained a notable victory against hotly-tipped Brush last Sunday. What affect has the win had on the players?

Oh no, we dont read too much into those games. Obviously (it was a) cracking result against a very good side, but we are already starting preperations for Leigh away on sunday and im sure the lads have already moved on from that. Don't get me wrong, (we are) really pleased, but focusing on the task in hand now.

The Sceptre Sunday League Premier Division campaign gets underway this Sunday. What expectations do you have for your side this season?

Well, the board and the fans have got big aspirations as they always do. I expect nothing else from the garvary fans and to be fair to them they deserve success. It's amazing when the fans get behind us like they do, and im just hoping we can do them proud this year and give them something to shout about.

Who do you believe will be your strongest competitors in your quest for silverware?

The league (Sceptre Sunday League Premier Division) is going to be extremely tough this season. That's the beauty of the Sceptre Prem, there are no easy games. We are just going to take each game as it comes, and if we are up there with the likes of Talwin come february, maybe we can start looking at silverware, otherwise the lads have got their feet firmly on the ground. I think Leigh (United) will be strong this year, so it's going to be interesting (this) Sunday to see how the game pans out.

Your season kicks off away at title-favourites Leigh United. What do you hope to come away with from the game?

Like I said they're a mustard side, proper Coleman's from what I've heard. But, we wont go into any game this season looking for anything but three points, otherwise you might aswell not bother. It's too early in the season to talk about taking draws as we dont really know how the season will go.

Influential midfielder Michael Gerrard has picked up a serious ankle injury. Can you reveal the extent of the damage and how long do you expect him to be on the sidelines for?

Yeah G (Michael Gerrard) is a silly sausage. He always has been. Great lad, but unfortunately he has done himself a mischief with this one. I've been told to expect him out for 10-12 weeks so (it is a) a real blow, but like I said we (have) got strength in depth so we're all just hoping for a speedy recovery.

I understand the injury was sustained during the team’s pre-season bonding session and was a result of excessive alcoholic intake. How much does the apparent lack of discipline frustrate you as a manager?

I'd rather not talk too much about that. You can't believe everything you read. It was a controlled environment which a couple of the lads took advantage of. I don't blame them for that, so its something internal that we will deal with and if I say anything else it's not really fair.

Stewart Moore is also recovering from injury. How close is he to a return to first team action?

Stewie is looking at another six weeks so I'm told, and we've had recent news that SJ (Steve Johnson) has taken a knock, which is another hammer blow. But (it) keeps the medical staff in a job I guess.

What affect will these losses have on the creativity of the side?

Oh we're not too worried about that. Obviously (having) both players, or indeed any player, on the sidelines is going to be disruptive, but it's football and you have just got to deal with it and move on. We have brought the players to fill the positions, and and we are just looking forward to getting under way. Thanks for your time Mark.

Lastly, what will your message be to the players before this weekend’s vital opening game of the season?

Away game this sunday meet at Blenheim Park at half 9, dont forget £5 subs. Text back if you cant make it! Ha ha! No seriously, I won't need to say too much to the lads.We're all itching to get under way so it will be a question of asking each player to hit the ground running and start the season as we mean to go on.

Thanks again Mark, thanks very much.

Experimental Garvary taste defeat

Troop Hall 3-2 Garvary United (Rowland 54, Johnson 76)

The Goldenbears were defeated in the second warm-up match of their pre-season campaign at the Thurrock Ground last night.

Garvary gaffer Colin Ekers had a greater squad of players available for the game following the thread-bare selection at Shoebury, and used the fixture to gain a clearer idea of his starting eleven for the Sceptre Premier League opener in a fortnight’s time.

Garvary battled hard during a game littered with substitutions, and could have stood victorious had they converted their chances during a spell of high-pressure in the final quarter of the game.

However, the first scoring opportunity fell to Troop Hall.

Goldenbear ‘keeper Craig Childs - affectionately known as ‘dribble’ - saved low at his near post from a close-range downward header on seven minutes.

Garvary came close as Ekers drove an effort wide following nice link-up play around the box.

They then began to turn the screw and Simon Rowland – returning from his successful trial against Shoebury – saw his shot saved yards from goal and followed that with a header wide of the post from the resulting corner.

Garvary were then caught on the break and Troop Hall almost beat the advancing Childs with a lob that, to the relief of the backline, bounced wide of the goal.

The Goldenbears welcomed back inspirational club captain Adam Moore and it was the centre-half who failed to convert another opportunity from a corner kick - miss-hitting a volley wide on 23 minutes.

Matthew Reade thought he had bagged the elusive opening goal just seconds later – drilling an effort against the post eight yards from goal.

A wave of Goldenbear attacks drew to a close as Daniel Wilson shot speculatively wide from outside the box.

Troop Hall should have taken the lead following a mix-up in the Garvary defence that allowed their striker in behind to round an advancing Childs - only for the frontman to drag his terrible attempt wide of the post with the goal gaping.

A series of substitutions made by the experimental Ekers left the away side disjointed prior to half-time and Troop Hall began to dominate proceedings.

They took the lead shortly before the break after being awarded a controversial indirect free-kick inside the 18 yard box for obstruction – which was touched to the side and driven past a despairing Childs.

The game was in danger of being called off on the stroke of half-time as tempers frayed following a Troop tackle on the edge of the area.

Michael Gerrard allowed his Latin temperament get the better of him as he squared up to the offending player.

Several members of both sides soon made the their feelings known as they arrived on the scene - including an especially irked Marc Baker.

Handbags ensued and the referee failed to command his position - declaring the game abandoned.

Appeals from management of both sides brought calm and the weak official allowed the game to continue.

After the interval the better of the chances again fell to Troop Hall and they doubled their advantage on 52 minutes.

A strike from 20 yards flew past the out-stretched hands of the Garvary ‘keeper and found the top corner.

Garvary halved the deficit two minutes later through Simon Rowland.

The towering striker headed in at the far post – making it 2 goals from 2 games for the number 9.

The Goldenbears came close to drawing level after an intricate one-two – between emerging star Steve Johnson and winger James Wilson – created space inside the area for a shot that was saved low down by the Troop ‘keeper.

Craig Childs was then again called into action as he athletically tipped over a swerving long-range effort.

Striker Ekers – wearing number 14 – should have created the equalizer following a purposeful run into the box, but opted to try and beat the ‘keeper at his near post rather than pulling the ball back to one of his teammates.

Garvary finally drew the game level on 76 minutes.

Steve Johnson, in his first appearance for the Goldenbears, finished expertly after latching on to a through pass 10 yards from goal.

Another chance fell to the debutant and his low shot was saved and put behind for a corner – from which a Garvary head won the ball and nodded just over.

Troop Hall thought they had regained the lead after seeing a shot placed past Childs and into the corner – only for the flag to be raised and the goal disallowed for offside.

Just 60 seconds later, Troop exploited a hole at the back and scored the winner.

The straight ball over the top of Moore and Baker – whose desperate swing averted the ball – allowed their frontman to finish with ease.

Daniel Wilson surged forward in an attempt to draw the game level at the death and showed quick feet prior to shifting the ball to shoot – only for his wild effort to fly high and wide.

Gaffer Ekers will take plenty from the match and admittedly hindered his side’s flow with numerous substitutions, but insists the game was merely an exercise.

The Garvary players appeared to enjoy the workout (below).