THE Singleton Soccer Club’s Club House Hotel Strikers returned to headquarters on Sunday evening without any points but after some battling performances and, once the disappointment had passed, with their heads held high.
The day had started well with the Storm taking points before the grade squads took to the park. Youth grade had the better of their game against a Beresfield side that has beaten them by the odd goal in seven in the season opener.
Time and again the young Strikers had chances but were not able to put them away.
The visitors did have chances at the other end and late in the game they managed to find the back of the net to take a lead which they retained to the end of the game.
In the shed voting was close with Jessy Nash, DJ Williams, Liam Daley and Jordan Willard the leaders.
Reserve grade were up against it, when within five minutes they were reduced to ten men after a clumsy tackle by Tom Wilson saw him sent from the field.
The remaining players and they fought tooth and nail but saw their resolve broken twice to be beaten 2-0.
Every one of the players used could be proud of their performances Gary Thorley wound back he years with a never say die effort while Paul Taylor did not stop running up front. Will Maguire, playing one of his rare games was most appreciated by his team mates.
First grade welcomed the return of Clinton Lanesbury but lost Ryan Guihot early in the game with a problem that hampered his running.
The Strikers took an early lead when the visiting keeper took down Chris Mason, who slotted home the penalty. A very soft penalty was awarded at the other end and Bersefield were back level again.
The experience of Beresfield’s aging but star studded squad told as they took a 3-1 lead into the break. However Singleton were still in the game and with the expected fitness advantage could have come home to grab points.
However a brilliant long distance strike within the first couple of minutes saw Berro add to their lead and almost put the game beyond doubt. Singleton were not to be denied and continued to look dangerous.
A second goal, by Duncan Macdougal gave a glimmer of hope but Beresfield hung on to a 4-2 victory. Leon Macdougal again had storming game in the middle of the defence while his partner, Nat Hamilton was also prominent.
The team was Warren Gillespie, James Jones, Ryan Guihot (replaced by Liam Daley), Hamilton, the Macdougal brothers, Jordan and Callam Howard, Mason, Lanesbury and Ben O’Neill. Jessy Nash and Zac Waters had late runs.
This weekend the Strikers travel to Cessnock on Sunday. The only action at Howe Park sees both Over 35s at home on Friday evening. F grade meet Nelson Bay while A grade host West Lakes PC. The Storm have a bye.