BGB Premier Division

Saturday 01.12.2007

Wood you believe it?

By Andy Cryer

Mark Collier believes he has found another gem from the New College production line' as Sean Wood earned himself instant hero status on his Supermarine league debut. The 18-year-old came off the bench to drill home a late winner as Marine saw off Banbury 4-3 at Hunts Copse on Saturday, in a Southern League thriller. Wood almost grabbed a second with an audacious chip that shaved the upright minutes later and boss Collier insists he has a bright future in the game. Richard Kear scored a first half brace and Ashley Edenborough was also on the scoresheet as Marine battled from behind twice to earn maximum points.

Both sides ended the clash with ten men after Marine's Chris Copp and Banbury's Andy Baird saw red for a fracas. Marine have already benefited from the rise of former New College player Dave Pratt, cashing in on his move to Chippenham, and Collier warns there are several others waiting for their chance.

He said: "Sean has played in the Wiltshire Shield for us but this was his first league appearance and what an impact he has made. "When we went down to 10 men we stayed brave and kept two up top, with Sean more than taking his chance when we threw him on. "He almost grabbed a second with his second or third touch. That little cameo has seen him jump the queue a bit. He has certainly done himself no harm.

"We have a great relationship with the College. We have seen Dave Pratt come through that route and there are a few more who won't be waiting long for their chance. "They train with us every week and we know what all these young lads are capable of. It is great news for the club to have these youngsters coming through." After last season' promotion to the Premier Division, via the play-offs, Marine have more than held their own as they sit comfortably just below mid table. A goals against column of 32, the joint worst in the division, will be a concern for Collier but a healthy 24 goals scored suggests their aim of survival will be achieved.

Collier said: "I suppose our school report would say we are doing okay. We are holding our own in this division although we do need to tighten up. "The encouraging thing is we are scoring goals and if you look at the players we had missing on Saturday, the strength of our squad is also looking healthy. "Through suspension and injury we had seven first team players and yet we still battled, played some decent stuff at times and got what we deserved."

Andy Baird headed the visitors into a seventh-minute lead but a quick-fire Kear brace handed Marine a 2-2 half time lead. Baird then fired in an equaliser before he and Copp saw red and then Matty Gooderick regained Banbury's lead. The impressive Edenborough then fired an equaliser before Wood stepped in for his moment of glory.

Final Score From Hunts Copse: 4-3