Marsden hosted last seasons A Division Champions Jarrow Crusaders at The Bents. It was a good opportunity for Marsden to play against another promoted team following some difficult games against established Premier League teams. Kev Garrick (Holiday), Sam Went (Holiday), Corey Welsh (Holiday) and Jon Peart (Work) all missed the game. With Kev Garrick missing Marsden called upon the ever reliable and Marsden stalwart Andy Calvert. Those to return to then squad included Mason Armour, Paul Storey, Dayne Hunter, Kieran Potts and Gareth Adams. Kai Muir was due to be part of the squad but again didn't turn up on the day.

The management team decided on a 4-4-2 formation looking for an attacking display. Paul Storey and Gareth Adams were paired at the heart of the back four with the versatile Gavin McDonald moving to left back. Konnor Grech played in central midfield with Stuart Simpson on the right and Mason Armour partnering Jordan Larkin up front. Kieran Potts, Ryan Downes, Dayne Hunter and Ashton Defty made up the bench with the latter two players arriving too late to be considered in the starting 11.

Yet another slow start saw Marsden trail within 5 minutes as a long ball over the top caused confusion between the defence and Andy Calvert, allowing the forward to tap the ball home, 0-1. Not the start Marsden wanted, however the goal did wake the players up, with Marsden creating 3 or 4 very good opportunities that all went begging. Jordan Larkin, Stuart Simpson, Jude Shilling and Mason Armour all wasteful in front of goal. It was Jarrow Crusader who then took control of the game with a long range effort and a free kick which gave Andy Calvert no chance, 0-3.

Marsden shipping in preventable goals and not taking their own chances leads to bad scorelines for the lads. The score was 0-3 at half time and a stern half time team talk saw Marsden's heads down instead of being positive as the players were the week before against Veterans. Captain Gareth Adams was forced off at half time with a recurrence of his achilles injury and was replaced by Ashton Defty which saw Jude Shilling drop into an unfamiliar left back role.

The second half wasn't a great spectacle but again Marsden created at least two very good chances, the best of which fell to Stuart Simpson who could only hit a defender on the line with his effort. Ryan Dowens, Kieran Potts and Dayne Hunter all came on for Mason Armour, Kieran Garrick and Conner Grech but Jarrow Crusaders scored a fourth to end the game as a contest. MOM Paul Storey was excellent throughout alongside Gavin McDonald who always gives 100% every game in any position.

Another overall disappointing result against a team who took their chances well but someone Marsden should be at least giving a game against ,rather than a whimper. Hopefully heads are all on for next week as Marsden take on Derby Pirates down The Bents.

MOM - Paul Storey

Match Preview

Match details

Match date

Kickoff