Gerrard on his freak injury, his teammates' form and 'Samba Gods'

I spent time with injury-stricken Garvary Goldenbear Michael Gerrard during the week and he revealed his desperation to return to first-team action, as well as the 'pure samba' that he has running through his blood.




Hi Mark, firstly I'd like to thank you on behalf of the players for your very good coverage so far.

Thanks Michael, it’s a fantastic club and I’m enjoying every, well, almost every minute of it.

You have been sidelined through injury since the pre-season defeat to Troop Hall. How did you sustain the injury and what was the original diagnosis?

It’s my left ankle, Mark. I received the injury in a freak accident. It was on the night of the team bonding session at Romford Dogs. It was the first time that some of the new signings have socialized with the team and we decided to relax and let the rum and coke flow (freely some-might say!). The whole night was a bit of a blur, but I relate that to the injury. From what I have pieced together, this is how I saw it. After the dogs had finished their races, two other members (not naming names, I'm no grass) of the team and I decided to have our own race on the track, of which I lost. After being walked out of the dogs, I reflected on the race and became frustrated that I had lost. That is just my 100 per cent desire to win. This resulted in me running as fast as I could, to show the new signings I'm not slow. Unfortunately for me, I ran into a good friend of mine and part of the ‘Samba Boys’ Matty Crum G1 (Garvary forward Matt Crumbie). I should have known better as I have seen defenders twice the size of me bounce of his frame. So I bounced off him and, due to me being intoxicated, lost my balance and went over on my ankle. I was very lucky that at our club we have a motto: "Garvary = Family, no Goldenbear left behind!!!" and because of that, two of the lads helped me home. Cheers Stew (Stewart Moore) and Cracker (Craig Childs). So, I went to the hospital in the morning as I was still in pain and my ankle was still very swollen. After an X-ray, I was told that I had a break in my left ankle and a slight displacement, maybe needing surgery. So this wasn't good news, but after a closer X-ray later on, there was no need for an operation.

Do you feel you have let down the club and its loyal supporters given the environment in which the injury occurred?

Yes. I feel I've let myself down, my team mates down and of course the loyal Garvary supporters down. I felt I owe them something personally as last season I wasn't my super-human self. The fans, I love them. I hope they can see the force field that the 'Samba Gods' have blessed me with more this season. People talk of the football I played in the 2007/08 season, which led to me becoming the Manager’s Player of the Year, and that just adds fuel for me to do my upmost for the club to bring in silverware.

How is your rehabilitation coming along?

I was with the doctor on Monday and he was impressed with the way, and the speed, that the bone had recovered. I saw the Physio on Tuesday and all good news from him. Just got to do whatever they tell me and take it slow. I will be partaking in non-contact training hopefully in three weeks, so (I am) raring to go when it comes.

That’s great news. What do you believe you will bring to the team when you finally return to first-team action?

While I’ve been injured, I've had the chance to watch the almighty Goldenbears from the sideline. I can see how I would fit in and I could be the final piece to Ekers’ (Garvary Gaffer Colin Ekers) jigsaw. But this remains to be seen as when all are fit, we have some real quality players fighting all across the middle and up top. I mean names that you hear about, names that roll off the tongue: the Moore brothers, the Reade brothers, Jamie Salmon, Keano (Darren Keane), S.J (Steve Johnson), Dello (Paul Dellow), (Colin) Ekers, (Simon) Rowland, Crum (Matt Crumbie), I can go on and on. But I can't wait to get playing with my ‘Samba Boys’ again. It’s been a long time since we played together. We may have a new member to our ‘Samba 3 Ball’ (Stewart Moore, Matt Crumbie, Me) as well, but we will see if the boy can do it at game time. It’s quality to hear those steel drums from the Graffiti-end when we make that ball smile. SAMBA!

You have been ever-present on the touchline since the start of the campaign in support of your teammates. How frustrating has it been for you?

This is the longest I've been out and it’s so far been a real mental test. I just love to play football. I mean, I've been missing kick-ups! I just started to now so I'm a lot happier. I have pure samba running through my blood, do you understand??? It’s like taking beans away from Craig (a reference to Craig Childs obsession with baked beans), it’s not right! As for watching the boys, it has been brilliant, but nothing compares to coming to the Hall, seeing the Graffiti-end rocking and pulling on the gold shirt, on that note: sorry Chrissy (Chris Reade), you have done the number 10 proud, but that’s my baby. I've got a number 8 for you when I get back (Gerrard blows a kiss).

And finally, what have you made of Garvary’s start to the season?

I've been very impressed with all our players. Skips (Adam Moore) has taken to the role (of being club captain) superbly and I feel he’s playing very well. Dello (Paul Dellow) has started on fire and sometimes looks a class apart. Be good to see Skins (David Skinner) and (Lewis) Sparrow back more often as competition is always healthy I think, and they have strengthened (the side) when they’ve played. Both Reade brothers have shown real class and scored some quality, and important goals. Believe, when Stew returns he can add a different dimension to the team. So (it) all looks good. (It was) Disappointing to lose to Day One twice already, but it will be a different environment for them at the Hall.

Thanks for your time Michael; I wish you a speedy recovery.

Also, I would like to mention a thank you to (club mascot) Galileo Goldenbear for the 'get well soon' Card that was signed by all the players and staff.

Garvary receive bye into second round of County Cup

Garvary United received a bye into the second round of the County Cup following first round opponents Castlemayne Athletics's decision to fold as a club 24 hours prior to their meeting with the Goldenbears at the Hall.

The second division Basildon-based side's decision came as a result of incidents of indiscipline during the season reaching a crescendo after their manager allegedly assaulted a referee.

Garvary will be back in action this Sunday as they look to continue their Sceptre Premier Division title challenge.

Assistant coach Baker on the cup exit, wiping the floor with every team and Garvary's best start to a season

Garvary assistant coach and full-back Marc Baker took some time out to talk to me about his first weekend in charge of team affairs this season and was in a defiant mood.


Last Sunday’s first round Mike Hayward Cup tie at Blenheim Park saw you having to replace Craig Childs in goal with just moments to spare prior to kick-off. How confident were you in your ability to stand-in for Garvary’s number one for such a crucial fixture?

It's not the first time I have been called into action between the sticks for Garvary. I actually made my comeback last season in goal after a four month lay-off following a knee operation. We played Pro Max away (from home) and it’s a game that sticks out in my mind, Stewart Moore scored a brilliant hat trick in a 9-1 victory. I was unlucky to concede. I think it was Graham Miller (former Garvary Goldenbear) who gave away a penalty in the 90th minute, so then my services were called upon. I saved the penalty and the rebound, whatever, but my defence were just watching me in action and they followed up for a third free attempt and slotted it in. But yes, I was confident, when you have a defence with the likes of the skipper Dippy (a reference to captain Adam Moore's uniquely shaped head), Skins (David Skinner), Sparky (Mark Underwood) and Gangster Grim (a reference to Daniel Wilson), with me sweeping up the pieces your are going to feel confident; but we must defend as a team! I felt they didn’t test me much.

The situation allowed you to oversee proceedings from an unaccustomed vantage point between the sticks. Where do you believe Garvary lost that game?

We switched off for their first goal. Mooro (Adam Moore) cleared the ball from a cross and we had nine other players standing still while their goal-scorer had time to bring it down, have a cup of tea and pick a corner! But the game wasn’t lost from that one moment. I thought the boys worked hard and showed a fighting spirit. I just don’t think we created much. We tested the keeper maybe once or twice, one great effort from the vice vice Matt Reade and Chris (Reade) was unlucky not to score, by george I thought he had! They also have two full backs who carry a bit of timber, were not bad on the ball, and could move in a straight line; but I don’t feel we got at them enough. Had we tried to turn them inside out, they wouldn’t have lived with the pace of Chrisy (Chris Reade), (Paul) Dellow and Si (Simon Rowland). When we changed from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2, we had a bit more balance and space to move the ball. When we put Chris Reade out wide I thought he looked more dangerous. I thought it was wrong to bring Sammo (Jamie Salmon) on at left midfield! The game wasn’t over and I feel (that) had he been put in his more comfortable position we could have seen a different game. I think the Gaffer (Colin Ekers) may have to look at that one and put his hands up.

The defeat confirmed Garvary’s first round exit of the Mike Hayward Cup and also stretched a run of three back-to-back defeats at the hands of rivals Day One to four. What affect has that had on the dressing room?

None whatsoever. We know we can beat them. It was proven when we smashed them 5-0 in the Colin Tyler Cup final. That night we embarrassed them in front of their family, friends and fellow MCs; and they are still angry from that and use that as motivation in each game against us. But we can't live off that night. They have beaten us in the last four games, so maybe we can use that as motivation to beat them the next time we meet. We want to win the league this season, which I feel we can but we have to keep our cool, play our football, but also show a fighting spirit like players such as Darren Keane do week in-week out. We have got to show a bit of fight in each and every game and not go hiding like we did when the equalised in our first meeting (against Day One) earlier in the season. We should have beat them in that game, but certain people went missing.

In your position of assistant coach you will be taking charge of team affairs while Colin Ekers completes his rehabilitation programme in Amsterdam this weekend. What changes in attitude and team selection can we expect for Sunday’s County Cup first-round fixture against Castlemayne Athletic?

Well, I want us to play football. Make the ball do the work. We are a good football team. We don’t have to go from A to Z, sorry, I mean A to B every time. I like patient build-up play. Let's keep the ball, create holes, get them out of their comfort zone and start threading balls through. If the ball needs to go long, then I’m okay with that, but if God had wanted us to play football in the clouds, he'd have put grass up there. When we have the ball let's get wide and make the pitch big, when we don’t let’s make it hard for them to break us down and make every effort to get the ball back.

Where do you rate the County Cup in the order of priorities for the club this season?

Apparently ‘football would be boring if you won EVERY game’ (a reference to a statement made by Garvary boss Colin Ekers following the Premier Division defeat to Day One), but I totally disagree. I wanted to wipe the floor with every team this year. I want to win every game, so whether it’s a league game, County Cup, Colin Tyler Cup, a friendly, or a 5 a side competition; I want to win it all. No game takes priority with me. The more games we play, the more the lads play with each other, the better we become; and I would like to think that is the mentality throughout the squad, club and our fans.

The Goldenbears currently lie second in the Sceptre Premier Division table, three points behind leaders Day One, and are the division’s most prolific side having fired home an impressive 13 goals in four games so far this term. What are your feelings on your team’s start to the season?

We have made a good start. It’s our best start to a season. We have lost to one team, but have lost to them twice and that’s two times too many for me. I feel (that) we need to score from open play more. I think Matt Reade, who has played terrific and is up there in my average ratings this year, has scored all his goals from set pieces - I would like him to contribute a few more. But, we have to create for him, with players like Stewart Moore coming back into the fold this weekend, hopefully, he can slide Matty in now and then! This weekend I’m looking for Matt (Reade) to notch a couple, whether they are from open play or a set piece - I don’t really mind, but I want him shooting more. Defensively, I think we have worked hard, but I’m looking for my forwards to hold the ball up a little bit for two reasons. One - being able to relieve a bit of pressure from our defence, and two - to bring our midfielders into the game. I want to see players like Sammo (Jamie Salmon) and Stewart (Moore) joining in the attack.

You mentioned Stewart Moore. He has informed me that he will be available for selection this week. Do you expect the midfielder to be fit enough to start the game? And what do you expect him to bring to the side for the remainder of the season?

Yeah, Stewart is available. I was unfortunate enough to be involved in the game where he picked up his injury (Leigh Ramblers V Great Wakering) and I feel that the player from my team made the horrendous tackle on him because of his influence in that game. I would like to see him coming to collect the ball from his dippy brother (Adam Moore), who I feel at times does go long too often. Players like Stewart when they are on the ball they’re so comfortable and can see things that others cant, and that’s what I’m looking for. I will give him a good run out, maybe 50-60 minutes, as it is early days but I feel that will be enough (time) for the Latino lad!

Thanks for your time Marc and enjoy your weekend in charge.

Garvary suffer early cup exit at hands of rivals

Day One 2-0 Garvary United

Garvary United fell at the first hurdle of the Mike Hayward Cup after suffering a 2-0 defeat against Premier Division rivals Day One in a closely-contested first round encounter at Blenheim Park.

The two-goal margin flattered Day One, who had taken a deserved lead on the half-hour mark, as the Goldenbears failed to end a run of three back-to-back losses to the home side since their 5-0 triumph in last season’s Colin Tyler Cup final.

Prior to the game, Garvary defender Bradley Clutterbuck – serving an ‘iron fist’ club punishment for failing to turn up to a previous game – was provided the opportunity to emulate Gaffer Colin Ekers’ Galileo Goldenbear spot-kick conversion last week.

But failed - striking the outside of the right post.

A last-minute hamstring strain suffered during the warm-up by Garvary number one Craig Childs saw full-back Marc Baker stand in between the sticks and forced Ekers into a defensive reshuffle.

The loss appeared to affect the Goldenbears as they began on the back-foot allowing Day One to build an early period of pressure which saw a goal chalked off for the home side after two of their players were adjudged to have blocked stand-in goalkeeper Baker’s attempt to claim the ball at his near post.

Day One sustained their pressure on the Garvary backline by winning several corners and free kicks, but the away side managed to deal competently with the high balls into the box to clear their lines.

Centre-half David Skinner made a vital last-ditch tackle in the goal mouth to prevent another Day One attack on 15 minutes.

The Goldenbears finally managed to produce a shot on target through Chris Reade a minute later, but the skillful midfielder failed to test the goalkeeper significantly by hitting his effort straight into his arms.

A committed challenge won by Matt Reade in central midfield moments later left Day One’s captain in a heap on the ground.

Baker was forced into a smart save at his near post on 22 minutes and was on hand to smother the ball following a burst into the box by a Day One forward shortly after.

Garvary carved out another opportunity minutes before the home side took the lead and again it fell to the influential Chris Reade. Good work by Paul Dellow resulted in the winger supplying a ball into the box that Reade took on his chest before unleashing a shot that was always rising over the bar.

There was time for his brother Matt to strike a long-range effort with his left foot that had to be palmed away by the ‘keeper before Garvary fell behind.

This time the Goldenbears failed to clear the ball from a corner kick and the loose ball was driven past the helpless Baker.

Five minutes later Ekers opted to switch to a 4-4-2 formation having seen his side fail to win enough of their individual battles using his preferred system of 4-3-3.

The tactic appeared to work and Garvary proved tougher to break down – restricting Day One to just a couple of long-range efforts.

Tempers flared on 38 minutes as Chris Reade confronted an opponent after what appeared to be a kick-out at the talented Goldenbear.

The home side then found themselves having to dig deep in order to defend their lead as Garvary began to get the ball on the ground and play with more patience and composure with the break fast approaching.

Measured build-up by Matt Reade saw him pick out Dellow on the edge of the box who then laid the ball off for Simon Rowland to strike at goal. The number nine's attempt was charged down and blocked as was his instinctive follow-up effort.

Another chance fell to Chris Reade at the far post following a throw-in to taken by the away side and the midfielder, now playing on the right wing, was unfortunate to hit his shot into the ground as the ball rebounded just over the top of the bar.

The half-time whistle came at a bad time for Garvary, interrupting a flowing period of play that looked destined to provide them with a much-desired equaliser.

Baker had Goldenbear hearts in their mouths on 55 minutes after the replacement ‘keeper dwelt on the ball and lost possession under a challenge just yards from goal, but bravely made amends by diving at the feet of the player to claim the ball with both hands and suffering a blow to the head as a consequence.

Another half-chance was created by Garvary just short of the hour mark but Dellow was unable to control his shot – hitting the ball high and wide.

Chris Reade began to find more space in the final quarter of the game and was unlucky not to find a teammate with a marginally over-hit curling ball towards the far post.

There was to be action at both ends in the 70th minute with Baker pulling-off a low save before some excellent wing-play by Chris Reade resulted in Jamie Salmon volley being blocked at close-range.

The second-half substitute had another opportunity to level the score from the resulting corner, but scuffed a side-foot volley into the ground.

A mis-hit clearance by Baker on 76 minutes invited pressure on his side and the stand-in ‘keeper was fortunate to see the shot hit wide by Day One as they broke forward.

Garvary had to soak up more pressure after captain Adam Moore – who had defended valiantly throughout – saw his attempted pass out from the back intercepted. Day One drove at goal but their forward was unable to hit the target and dragged his shot wide of the post.

The Goldenbears thought they had snatched a late equaliser with less than ten minutes left on the clock, but Moore’s expertly-struck volley was ruled out - to the disappointment of the Garvary faithful - for offside.

Darren Keane – who had covered every inch of grass in another battling display – talked his way into the referee’s book with on 84 minutes.

Shortly after, Garvary produced one of the best moves of the game. Club captain Moore sent Chris Reade away to search out Dellow who then drove purposefully at goal and into the 18-yard box before being blocked brilliantly, as he was about to get his shot away, by the defender.

Day One snatched a late second goal against the run of play on 88 minutes after seeing their first attempt blocked on the line by Daniel Wilson and tucking the ball away from close-range at the second opportunity, leaving Baker scrambling across goal.

Garvary left-back Mark Underwood refused to let the result lie and embarked on a jinking run towards goal before seeing his placed-effort saved low down to the ‘keepers left with just seconds to spare.

The result confirmed Garvary’s exit from the Mark Hayward Cup, leaving the Goldenbears free to concentrate on other priorities – starting with the County Cup next Sunday.

EXCLUSIVE: First pictures of new Garvary United kit

Goldenbear midfield maestro and last Sunday's match-winner Matt Reade has given me an exclusive sneak peak at the new Garvary United kit.

Enjoy the first pictures of the Pro Star manufactured ensemble below.

The strip sports new club sponsor and affiliate www.pennsports.net.

It is yet to be revealed whether the kit will be used primarily by the Sceptre Sunday League Premier Division side, but it is sure to make a welcome addition to the wardrobes of the Garvary United faithful.

Ekers on character, the 'Colin Tyler Curse' and the Galileo Goldenbear penalty

I caught up with Garvary Gaffer Colin Ekers during the week and he was in a reflective mood prior to Sunday's cup clash with rivals Day One.


Another thrilling finale at the Hall on Sunday saw your side claim an important and timely win following the defeat to league-leaders Day One. What are your views on the team’s performance?

It was a great win and I have been chuffed with the character and persistence that the lads have shown. On the other hand, I thought we put ourselves in a position we didn't need to be in! Great for the neutrals but we should have put the game to bed early doors. We still have work to do.

Daniel Wilson recovered from an early error that put your side behind to draw the score level just moments later. How pleased were you with the determination that the centre-half displayed?

Its that kind of character which won us the game at the end of the day, so (I am) pleased for him because otherwise he would have been pranging out for weeks knowing “Oggy”. Mistakes happen. He slipped but made up for it five minutes later so, like I said, (I am) pleased for him.

An ankle injury forced you to watch the game from the sidelines. How frustrating was it for you not to be involved, especially as the match appeared destined for a draw with your team failing to convert several chances that should have put the game out of sight?

I would be lying if I said (that) I wasn't gutted to not be involved and in the dying minutes, the whole season flashed before my eyes. I said a couple of weeks ago (that) I don't know how many more last minute thrillers I can take and I think the club doctor is now keeping a close eye on my heart rate! That's football though. I cant wait to get back onto the pitch, but at the same time it's good to see the game from that perspective.

What was the thinking behind your penalty-taking appearance as club mascot Galileo Goldenbear prior to kick-off?

There was only one thing I was thinking and that was...come on Galileo stick it in the top corner! Ha Ha!

The famous graffiti-end seems to suck the ball into the goal, in a similar fashion to Anfield’s kop grandstand. What affect does this have on the mentality of your side?

People don't like coming here and its daunting trying to defend at the Graffiti-end for the opposition. It does seem to give us an edge. We just keep plugging away and the fans at the graffiti-end certainly have an impact on the atmosphere and belief of the lads. The fans are brilliant and they deserve a good season from us, so we just hope that we can repay them with some silverware.

Garvary’s next fixture sees them face rivals Day One in the first round of the Mike Hayward Cup. What is your reaction to the draw and how do you intend on reversing the sequence of three back-to-back defeats to the side currently topping the table?

We take every game as it comes and to be honest we don't let past results effect the way we go into a game. It has been a while since we beat them, but when people say things like the “Colin Tyler Curse." I think it's absolute nonsense. We do want to put that to bed on Sunday and we want to progress in every competition, if that means beating Day One this Sunday, or in five Sundays time, it makes no difference. They are a good side, there is no doubt about that, but we have quality in every position, so it should be another good game either way.

And finally, could you update the fans on the current injury-plight at the club, as well as your own fitness level?

Unfortunately, there isn't much good news from the treatment room this week. Stuey (Stewart Moore) should be back for the cup game in 10 days, as might SJ (Steve Johnson). Although saying that, Crum (Matt Crumbie) and Jim (Holmwood) should be available for selection this week, and as for myself, I have got a rehabilitation programme in Holland coming up - so fingers crossed, I could be back for the next league game in just over two weeks time.

Thanks for your time Colin and good luck for Sunday's game.

More late drama at the Hall as Garvary bounce back

Garvary United 4-2 Holtford
(D Wilson 9, Dellow 31, M Reade 89 90+1)

Garvary bounced back from last Sunday’s defeat in dramatic, yet familiar, fashion at the Hall by scoring twice in the final minutes for the second consecutive home game to snatch a 4-2 victory against newly-promoted Holtford.

Goal-hero Matt Reade curled home an exquisite free-kick and converted a penalty to earn his side a deserved win with a result that should have been wrapped up in the home side’s favour by the half-time break.

Garvary Gaffer Colin Ekers – sidelined with an ankle knock – raised the spirits of his side prior to kick-off with a spot-kick scoring appearance as club mascot Galileo Goldenbear.

It appeared to bear an affect as Garvary began brightly and their early period of pressure almost brought a goal in the third minute as Marc Baker latched on to a loose ball following a short corner, only to blaze his effort high over the bar.

Their productive start counted for nothing following Daniel Wilson’s glaring error on seven minutes.

The hard-featured centre-half slipped on the ball 25 yards from goal and allowed Holtford to muster a two-on-one situation with Craig Childs in which they tucked the ball neatly away past the helpless Garvary number one.

His remonstrations with the referee and insistence that he fell victim to a pull-back resulted in a booking for the 25-year-old.

But Wilson portrayed the winning-mentality and determination that runs throughout the side by making amends just two minutes later.

A dangerous ball played in by Marc Baker found the head of defensive partner Adam Moore but the skipper was denied a certain goal by the Holtford ‘keeper’s outstretched palm. The ball fell to Simon Rowland who cut the ball back for Wilson to poke the ball home at close-range and draw the score level.


Garvary were in search of the lead and moments later Rowland was sent clear of the Holtford backline but his touch took him wide. He squared the ball for Jamie Salmon – returning to first team action following injury – to slip the ball past the advancing ‘keeper, but he was denied by the wide frame of the Holtford number one.

The match was a fairly scrappy affair, littered with fouls and free-kicks for both sides, and the first of its confrontations came on 15 minutes as Baker took exception to a late challenge on Chris Reade and let his feelings known by feuding with two of Holtford’s ill-disciplined players.

A minute later the Goldenbears had carved out another opportunity, this time falling to Rowland with a header at the far post that was sent high and wide.

Holtford threatened the Garvary goal again on 20 minutes after picking up on a loose ball and running at goal only to be prevented with a last-ditch sliding tackle by Wilson that allowed the ball to run freely into Childs’ arms.

The Garvary 'keeper was also on hand to advance from goal and block another Holtford effort shortly after.

Rowland found himself on the end of another chance following Salmon’s incisive through pass on 23 minutes, but placed his shot wide of the post.

On the half-hour mark, Garvary began to show their individual class further as Chris Reade took a high ball down with an exemplary touch and drove towards goal before sliding a ball for his brother Matt who had, unfortunately, strayed offside.

The Goldenbears forced themselves into the lead on just moments later.

Another sumptuous through pass by Salmon sent Paul Dellow on his way free of the defence to tuck the ball neatly into the bottom corner and score his third goal in four games.

The home side worked hard for their lead and continued to press the opposition by closing them down from the front throughout the half, with a typical ball-winning display from Darren Keane.

The chance to create a two-goal cushion came shortly before half-time and it again fell to Rowland.

The towering striker rose high to meet Dellow’s cross following some clever play by the winger, but failed to hit the target with a header wide of the post.

Chris Reade was to have the final effort of the half by driving towards goal before unleashing a low shot from 20 yards that was saved down to the ‘keepers right and turned over the bar.

Garvary’s momentum continued in the second-half and two minutes in Rowland worked his way into another scoring position until a desperate sliding challenge applied enough pressure for the number 9 to hit the ball wide.

Adam Moore was on hand to clear a Holtford free-kick from the danger area five minutes into the half as tempers began to fray on the pitch.

An awful challenge late into the back of Mark Underwood sparked a furious reaction from the Goldenbears and delay in play ensued as the two sides confronted each other.

The game resumed and Rowland again came close on the hour mark and perhaps should have scored as he failed to get his timing right as he arrived to meet Matt Reade’s chip into the near post with a volley as Dellow followed-up behind.

Garvary began to open their opposition up at will and could have added to the scoreline further with chances falling to Dellow, Salmon and Matt Reade in the final quarter of the game.

They would have been left to rue their failure to create a commanding lead were it not for Matt Reade’s accuracy with the dead-ball as the away side bagged a late equaliser to make it 2-2 on 86 minutes.

Garvary’s failure to clear their lines resulted in a loose ball being drilled past Childs from the edge of the area.

Dellow had an opportunity to go to ground inside the area after a mis-timed tackle appeared to catch the Garvary number seven and affect his balance, but the winger nobly stayed on his feet.

It required something special to win the game at the death and that is what Reade produced.

Dellow refused to accept the draw and drove purposefully at goal cutting between two Holtford defenders before being tripped just outside of the opposition box.

Reade stepped up to dramatically curl the ball with unerring accuracy into the top right corner – with his weaker foot!

The goal sent the Garvary players and faithful into jubilant celebrations, and not for the first time at the Hall, confirming the famous graffiti-end's apparent ability to suck the ball into the goal.

The result was to be finally put out of doubt after Rowland was brought down inside the area resulting in a spot-kick for the home side.

Reade – buoyed by his earlier goal – chased after the ball to ensure his position as taker and proceeded in directing the ball past the static Holtford ‘keeper to wrap up a timely three points for the Goldenbears.

Garvary are now the most prolific side in the division - having fired in 13 goals in four games - and lie second in the table, three points behind early pace-setters Day One.

Man of the Match: Matt Reade – His dramatic curling free-kick and coolness from the spot concluded a match-winning display.

Day One derail Garvary challenge

Day One 3-1 Garvary United (Ekers 38)

The Goldenbears’ winning start to the season came to an abrupt end in Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash with Day One at Blenheim Park.

Despite the challenge facing his side, Gaffer Colin Ekers opted to stick with the 4-3-3 formation that had served them so well in their opening games and it appeared to be paying dividends as they took the game to the home side from kick-off.

An early period of pressure saw Matt Reade clip the top of the bar after just six minutes with a looping effort from the edge of the area.

However, the tactic backfired as Garvary were outnumbered and overrun in midfield.

It nearly cost the Goldenbears after just eight minutes when they failed to track a runner from deep whose effort was hit wide of the far post.

The home side were on the receiving end of the better opportunities as the ball failed to stick for Garvary in the final third.

Chris Reade needed to be on hand to clear the ball off the line after a rebound from a Day One corner was hit back at goal on 18 minutes.

Another close-call came after 26 minutes as a cross almost picked out Day One’s number 9 who was free at the far post but unable to get enough height on his leap to connect with the ball.

Garvary’s front-three began to lose their positional discipline as the half progressed and were guilty of narrowing the pitch far too often, but they did show glimpses of their ability.

Matt Crumbie drove towards goal at pace and hit a shot just wide of the past shortly after the half-hour mark.

The effort encouraged the Goldenbears and it wasn’t long before they took the lead.

Progressive build-up play and Crumbie’s determination to keep possession on the halfway line saw Matt Reade emerge with the ball and head for goal before slipping in Ekers to drive a shot past the helpless ‘keeper from a tight angle on 38 minutes.

The Goldenbears searched for a second but, despite patient approach play, failed to provide a killer final pass.

The goal was vital for Garvary and gave them a platform to build on for the second half.

Unfortunately, the Goldenbears failed to do so and looked extremely vulnerable from the restart as they began to lose more of the aerial battles.

Day One piled the pressure on the away side and had several efforts at goal – hitting two efforts wide from the edge of the box two minutes into the half.

Garvary fought back and were unfortunate not to double their lead on 53 minutes by meeting a corner kick with a header that was tipped onto the bar from 12 yards.

The short respite in pressure didn’t last as Day One began their ascendency.

Marc Baker dwelt on the ball in favour of clearing his lines and was almost punished as Day One took possession and approached the by-line, but was fortunately bailed out with a last-ditch challenge by Moore.

The resulting corner needed to be punched wide by Childs in the Garvary goal and the stopper rose well above the melee to get his hand to the ball, but it fell to a Day One head and he was lucky to see the ball flash wide of his left-hand post.

Moore again came to his side’s rescue on the hour mark by hacking a drilled 18-yard effort that was destined for the net off the line.

Garvary’s attacking formation hampered their defensive stability and, despite the midfield trio’s best efforts, they found themselves unable to cope with the waves of Day One attacks.

The Goldenbears dug deep but it was only a matter of time before the home side equalized. Their time came on 70 minutes.

Garvary failed to clear their lines from a corner and Day One scored with a long-range effort that flew in off the left-hand post.

Prior to the game Garvary captain Adam Moore cited a need to focus in order to iron out their defensive frailties, but failed to take his own advice as he was found wanting for the goal that earned Day One their lead just three minutes later.

He was beaten too easily at the by-line and the subsequent cross found a Day One head and was nodded home past a helpless Childs.

It was hard on the Garvary skipper who had defended valiantly up until that pivotal moment in the game.

Day One deserved the win but were fortunate with the third goal on 80 minutes.

Childs ventured from his line to claim what seemed to be an innocuous ball high into the box, but the Garvary number one dropped a clanger and allowed the ball to slip from his grasp for the Day One striker to complete the easiest of tap-ins a yard from goal.

The game’s action was completed with a couple of long-range Day One efforts that veered just wide of the goal.

Garvary will be disappointed not have continued their winning ways following last Sunday’s dramatic victory at the Hall, but will have to bounce back from what was a demoralising defeat and produce the flowing forward-thinking football that they are capable of.