Five goals in the opening eighteen minutes consigned The Argonauts Reserves to a humiliating defeat against Real Bristol in the opening game of the league season.

Despite a controversial penalty award and an unfortunate own goal The Argonauts could consider themselves fortuitous not to have lost by a much greater margin.

Starting the game with only ten players it was to be an uphill struggle of mountainous proportions.  The Argo's goal was under constant bombardment and only some last ditch defending combined with poor Real finishing and some cracking saves by 'keeper David Cross kept the scoreline below double figures.

The only chance of note for the Argonauts in the first half fell to Mark Fowler who shot wide from twenty-five yards when a through ball to team-mate Ross Holbrook may have proved more successful.

The second half brought some relief for The Argo's as their complement was boosted to the full eleven players by the unprecented appearance of an opposition squad member pulling on the green and yellow shirt!!  It however did little to affect the Argo's fortunes as Real immediately added a further two goals to extend their lead to seven.

As in the first period Real seemed content to pass their way comfortably through the remaining minutes of the half following another quick opening goal salvo.

This allowed the Argo's to scramble a consolation goal from the head of the "loaned" Real player after some battling work by Paul White down the right hand side followed by a well flighted cross.

The Argo's continued to throw players forward in a vain attempt to salvage further pride.  However, it was Real who finished the stronger and they will be disappointed not to have scored more goals against a struggling Argonauts team.

PLAYER RATINGS
David Cross - 5 - Had plenty to do and did enough to suggest competent enough at this level.
Jason Furivall - 5 - Often caught out of position but never gave up.
Mark Fowler - 5 - Battling performance but could be more composed on the ball.
Paul White - 5 - Seemed more comfortable in later stages further forward.  Grabbed an assist
Alan Hodges - 6 - Solid performance, good tackling.
Mike Fitzpatrick - 6 - Moved into defence and was impressive.  Several important last ditch clearances.
Ian Clark - 6 - STAR MAN - Good on the ball, hustled opposition well.
Stu Gardiner - 5 - Ran himself into the ground but needs to work on fitness.  Managers View
Ross Holbrook - 4 - Was he playing??  Needs to make an effort as wasting talent at present.
Craig Davis - 6 - Worked his socks off.  Tidy on the ball.  Could bring fitness level up a little.

VERDICT - It could be a long hard season for The Argo's Reserves this year as several key players have departed to the first team or left the club.  It may take some time for the new additions to gel but unless reinforcements are added soon it could be another bottom half finish for the green and yellows this year.  On a slightly more positive note every Argo's player battled to the end against Real (bar one slightly embarrassed match reporter - I did give myself 4/10!!).  If that commitment continues the Argo's just might surprise a few of the stronger teams in this division.

 

The Game Ended Up: 7-1

Goal Scored by: O.G

Man Of The Match: Ian Clark

Starting Line Up:

 

Man of the match voted for by the players.

See What Real Bristol Thought Of The Game