Competition

Date

Saturday 5th September 2009

Beeden stars as Supermarine stop the rot

By Ned Payne » Swindon Advertiser

 

Mark Collier hailed the performance of debutant Jon Beeden after the teenager played his part in the defensive shutout that secured Supermarine a point at Hednesford Town on Saturday.

 

The 17-year-old New College student (pictured below), who signed on Friday to cover Supermarine’s defensive crisis, made light of the step up in class to help his team end their run of five straight defeats in Staffordshire. “I don’t think you’ll see a better debut,” enthused Collier, of Beeden’s display.

 

“He’s come into a team where he knows three or four of the players and has never played anywhere near that level before. “He’s played a couple of games for New College but that’s a long way from Hednesford. He stood up and was counted and his all-round game was excellent.”

 

Central midfielder Rich Smith, who also attends New College, signed for Supermarine on Friday as well and made the bench the following day, but did not come on as a substitute. With Ady Williams, Matt Robinson and Leigh Henry all missing the game through injury, unavailability and suspension respectively, Supermarine were without three of their first choice back four going into the weekend’s meeting with the Pitmen.

 

And Collier added: “To keep a clean sheet was a priority and the boys were chuffed with that. “We knew we were going to be under the cosh because they have got players who have played in the Premiership, but we were right up for that. “We played in a way that meant we could hit them on the break, and with a bit more luck we could have won it.”

 

Hednesford helped Supermarine’s cause by missing a host of chances on Saturday, with Tyrone Barnett going close with two headers and Ross Dyer directing off-target shortly before half time. Elliott Durrell twice brought saves from Matt Bulman after the resumption before Justin Nisbett ballooned a half-volley from 12 yards. Supermarine, who picked up five bookings during the game, saw their best opportunities come when Alan Griffin lifted over the bar just before the interval, and Joe Harris passed when he might have shot late on.

 

With Gary Horgan and Luke Hopper also missing the game through injury, Collier added: “Six players were out of the team and in key positions as well, so it was a very, very good result for us.

“The lads worked very hard, looked organised and we were resolute.”

 

From a Hednesford Town perspective ~ Match Report