Garrison lay down an early marker in entertaining Bardykes encounter

From the Sideline — Frank Sideline

When looking through today’s fixtures, this was the game I highlighted as my pick of the day to attend — and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

Bardykes arrived with plenty of interest surrounding their move into the GDSFC, while Garrison offered an immediate test of what awaits them. What followed was an entertaining afternoon of football between two sides determined to play the game the right way.

There are games where the final score tells most of the story, and others where it really doesn’t.

This was one of the latter.

Garrison came away convincing winners against Bardykes, but what I enjoyed most was watching two sides who wanted to play football. The game had a terrific flow to it, with both teams prepared to attack, move the ball and take chances.

Garrison struck almost immediately and quickly established an advantage, but Bardykes never simply disappeared from the contest. They responded, played some excellent football of their own and, particularly after half-time, showed plenty of determination to get themselves back into the game.

Their captain Aidan McGovern, continually caught the eye. Even when the result was getting away from his side, he wanted the ball and looked capable of making something happen. There was also a fascinating individual battle involving Bardykes’ number two and Garrison no.7, another example of the quality within a match that remained competitive for long periods.

Garrison, though, had quality throughout their side.

Robbie McCreadie was a constant danger coming in from the right, while their captain at centre-back was, for me, the outstanding player on the pitch. He seemed to be at the centre of everything Garrison did well — composed, influential and providing a real presence from the back.

I spoke with the Garrison manager Ben afterwards and his delight was obvious. He was particularly enthusiastic about the impact their captain Declyn Brown has made since joining the club after playing in America.

That enthusiasm was understandable. Declyn had been at the heart of an impressive Garrison performance and, for me as previously stated, was the outstanding player on the pitch.

For all the attention surrounding Bardykes and what they might bring to this division, this afternoon perhaps provided an early reminder that there are already some very good football teams waiting for them.

And on this evidence, Garrison might just have laid down a marker of their own but discount Barsdyke at you peril