Teversal put out a strong team for the visit of Evo-Stik Premier opponents Matlock Town, although they had another squad playing against Glapwell at Sookholme. Not too sure of the strength of the Gladiators, but they played their part in a very entertaining game.
We met up with friends Phil Mumby, Chris and Carol Daglish inside the ground. Phil and Carol must have added quite a few pounds to the Teversal coffers - they never stopped supping throughout the game - Carol's hubby Chris was the nominated driver, so he only had coffee - but it was his wallet that was considerably lighter at the end of the evening! It was only £2 admission, but I reckon Chris was short £30-40 by the final whistle!!!!
Chris Marsh is a serial, SERIAL hopper : notice the capitals?. Not only does he travel the country from end to end, he also seems to have the knack of getting all the players names - even in these friendly games that have constant changes of personnel. My notes were hastily scribbled on the front of the programme - the page of Mr. Marsh's notebook for this game was full. I knew a few of the players, but Chris knew most of them - on both teams! Remarkable....
Matlock took the lead with just 34 seconds played - Ryan Hindley slotting home after being allowed room in the Tevie box. The Gladiators were made to work hard to hold on to their lead though, and found Teversal no. 9 Shaun Tuton a bit of a handful.
It was Tuton that brought the scores level on 38, turning neatly in the area and steering the ball home. H-T 1-1
Lewis McMahon ran things from the middle of the park in the first half for the Gladiators, but he was rested at half-time. This seemed to allow the home team to have a little more possession - and they almost went ahead on the hour mark when Dave Cockerill met a superb cross with a header that crashed off the bar before going safe.
McMahon came back on towards the end of the game, and in the 86th minute he grabbed what was to prove the winning goal - finishing off a neat Matlock move. F-T 1-2
Admission £2
Attendance - unknown, but I reckon about 70-80
