Wideopen Rockets: 1, FC Amble: 5
Amble returned to the playing field after almost a month of no football, in a friendly against Wideopen Rockets who compete in the Newcastle mini Soccer League.
Amble were still in holiday mode in the second minute when they conceded a soft goal allowing the Wideopen Striker a free run on goal and an easy finish (1-0). This seemed to spur Amble on and M Kerr almost opened his account for the season when he beat three men but was just unable to produce a finish to match the run. Amble continued to press and equalised in the fifth minute when D Ramshaw latched onto a long kick from keeper, T Hall, and slid the ball past the outrushing keeper (1-1).
J Ford then took control of the middle of the park and, at times, the home side struggled to get near his dazzling skills. First, he played in D Handyside, who went close and then just failed to find a finish of his own after a great solo run. It was from Ford’s corner that Amble nearly stretched their lead when the ball bounced out to R Paton at the edge of the box, who steadied himself before letting fly with his left foot, only to see his goal-bound effort headed over bravely by a Wideopen defender. Amble then took the lead when D Handyside crossed from the left side and followed in after D Ramshaw, headed back across goal for the easiest of finishes (2-1).
Amble came out for the second half with purpose and went close before finally extending their lead when D Handyside headed a corner, fired in by skipper, B Handyside, in at the back post (3-1). D Handyside then got his hat-trick after he struck a stinging drive in to the far corner of the net, giving the keeper no chance (4-1). They then added a fifth when R Patons clearance was latched on to by D Ramshaw, who once again finished in style, leaving the keeper no chance (5-1). Amble kept going until the end and D Armstrong was just unable to add a finish after further good work by D Handyside, just before the final whistle.
This was a great performance from Amble after a prolonged break, and they produced a good display where they played some good football. They need to take this form in to their first league game next weekend where they find themselves in a very competitive group.
Spurreli’s man of the match: J Ford.
