Match Reports 2002/03

League

East Ardsley 2 Trinity 0

Trinity’s season ended in disappointing fashion, as they were defeated 2-0 by lowly East Ardsley.  As a result East Ardsley preserved their Senior B status.

On a small and extremely hard bobbly pitch Trinity managed to create the majority of the chances in a tight first half.  With Martin Barrett winning most of the arial flick-ons, and the pace of Matt Jordan and Stevie Travers always a potential threat Trinity looked capable of breaking down the East Ardsley defence.  However East Ardsley remained resilient in their task and managed to thwart Trinity.

In the second half East Ardsley stepped up their level of aggression, by fair means and foul, as they sought to impose their control on the game.  Trinity thought they had taken the lead when Martin Clubbs got on the end of a Chris Gardiner free-kick to force the ball into the back of the net.  However his effort was adjudged to have been aided by the illegal use of his arm.  Matt Jordan came close for Trinity with a couple of efforts before East Ardsley took the lead.  The East Ardsley centre back headed in from close range from a corner to make the score 1-0.  Shortly afterwards they made it 2-0 when their substitute latched onto a through ball, which Martin Clubbs failed to intercept, before passing the ball past Jimmy Yates the Trinity stand-in goalkeeper.  Despite their efforts Trinity couldn’t get back into their game and East Ardsley finished the game as 2-0 victors.

Team:  Yates; McIntyre, O’Keeffe, Clubbs; Bentley, Mullowney, Gardiner, Martin; Jordan, Barrett, Travers

Subs: Coleman (for O’Keeffe)

Formation:  3-4-3

League

Trinity 6 Colton 2

Martin Brown scored a fantastic hat trick as Trinity got back to winning ways.  In a performance quite literally full of ‘six appeal’ Trinity hammered a hapless Colton 6-2, to leave Colton on the brink of a second successive relegation. 

Playing against a strong wind in the first half Trinity took control of the game, playing the better football.  However Colton’s offside trap, as employed in the previous game this season, frustrated Trinity time and time again.  Martin Brown scored the only goal of the half, driving low into the corner of the net from twelve yards out to make the half time score 1-0 to Trinity.

Trinity were immediately on the attack in the second half.  Within a couple of minutes of the restart Martin Brown hit an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net from the edge of the area to make it 2-0 to Trinity.  He then completed his hat trick when he latched onto a through ball beating the offside trap, before rounding the keeper and passing the ball into the empty net.  3-0 to Trinity.  Stevie Travers made it 4-0, bulleting a header past the Colton keeper after a fine Martin Barrett cross.  Colton managed a goal, as Trinity relaxed momentarily to make it 4-1.  Then Travers got his second of the game, being first the rebound after an Eamonn Kissane shot hit the post, to make it 5-1.  Colton got their second, courtesy of a well executed free-kick which gave Trinity keeper Mickey Piggott no chance.  But Chris Gardiner restored Trinity’s four goal advantage when his excellent lob beat the keeper to make it 6-2.  Crowd favourite Jim ‘Mullers’ Mullowney nearly scored with a well driven chip of his own near the end, but his fine effort just failed to hit the target.

The final score finished 6-2 to Trinity.  An excellent, and well-deserved return to winning ways in their last home game of the season.

Team:  Piggott; Rogers, Clubbs, Yates; Bentley, Mullowney, Gardiner, J Brown; M Brown, Barrett, Travers

Subs: McIntyre (for Rogers), Turner (for J Brown), Kissane (for M Brown)

Formation: 3-4-3

League

Trinity 1  KSC 83 1

Chris Gardiner scored a second half equaliser as Trinity drew at home for the second consecutive game, against bottom of the table KSC 83.

With their Senior B place to play for KSC, who had been beaten 7-2 in their previous league game, played with a high level of determination and were committed in the tackle from the first whistle.  As a result Trinity, lacking confidence after failing to win in their previous five games, struggled to get the ball down and play on the hard bobbly pitch.  However KSC despite their effort didn’t have the quality to take control of the game either, as if to emphasise their bottom of the table status.  Trinity skipper Matt Jordan twice had opportunities to add to the two goals he scored in midweek after being played in by the ever popular Jim ‘Mullers’ Mullowney, but on both occasions his touch and sharpness let him down.  KSC took the lead in the first half.  A cross from the right was converted at the near post by the small, fat KSC centre forward to put KSC 1-0 up.  Despite not being at their best Trinity still played the slightly better football, although their only chances to equalise in the first half came from set pieces.

The second half continued much in the same vein as the first half, with a frantic pace and both teams struggling to get the ball down and play.  Trinity did get a deserved equaliser in the seventy-fifth minute.  Matt Jordan’s cross field through ball was well controlled by Chris Gardiner inside the KSC penalty area.  Gardiner then clipped the ball over the keeper into the far corner of the net to make it 1-1.  Both teams had chances to score a winner before the end of the game.  Trinity keeper Mickey Piggott made a couple of fantastic saves to thwart the KSC forwards, and Trinity substitute Jay Haken nearly set up a Trinity winner after a good run on the left wing.  Matt Jordan had the final chance of the game.  However after being again played through by crowd favourite Jim ‘Mullers’ Mullowney his shot was easily gathered by the KSC keeper.

The final score was 1-1, which was a fair result for both teams.  Whether a point is enough for KSC in their bid to stay in the division remains to be seen.  For Trinity this result can be seen as somewhat of a disappointment.  As well as failing to win in their last six games they have also failed to beat the bottom two teams at home in their last two games.  With two games left, both against struggling sides, it is important Trinity step up their performances to finish positively otherwise their season will finish on a big low.  On the positive side, Trinity are unbeaten in their last two games and they did perform much better than Thursday evening.  However the Trinity view seems to be immersed with negative thoughts at present, with the majority view being that the glass is half empty rather than half full!

Team:  Piggott; Martin, O’Keeffe, Clubbs, Yates; Bentley, Mullowney, Gardiner, Turner; Jordan, Barrett

Subs: Allcock (for Clubbs), Haken (Turner)

Formation: 4-4-2

League

Trinity 2  Huddersfield Amateurs 2

Matt Jordan scored two goals but Huddersfield Amateurs still managed to get a vital point in their fight against relegation against an under performing Trinity side, as they went back to Huddersfield with a 2-2  draw.

Against a young team fighting relegation at the foot of the table Trinity should have been able to take the game by the scruff of the neck, dominate and get back to winning ways.  However it was Huddersfield Amateurs who showed more hunger for the fight and looked slightly the better team, without actually playing much good football themselves.  Trinity took the lead courtesy of a long punt up field from keeper Mickey Piggott.  Skipper Matt Jordan outpaced the defence to lob the keeper and then get round him to head the ball into net.  1-0 to Trinity.  Despite this lead Trinity still couldn't relax.  Against a team who gave them plenty of time and space on the ball Trinity still managed to give the ball away cheaply at almost every opportunity. 

An excellent half-time team talk from ex-manager Nick Bentley emphasising the need for Trinity to get the ball and pass the ball to feet seemed to have the desired effect at the start of the second half.  Crowd favourite Jim 'Mullers' Mullowney twice created chances for himself to put Trinity two goals up, but on both occasions his finishing let him down.   However after these chances Trinity soon got back into the first half pattern of playing aimless balls and conceding possession cheaply.  Huddersfield Amateurs gained in confidence and started to trouble the Trinity defence with their long balls forward.  After creating a couple of chances, one which resulted in a terrific save from Trinity keeper Mickey Piggott, they finally got a well deserved equaliser.  A long ball forward was brought down on the edge of the box by the Huddersfield forward who fired the ball past Martin Clubbs and Piggott to make the score 1-1.  Another long ball forward led to their second goal.  Keeper Piggott and Clubbs were involved in a mix up with the final result being a Huddersfild player firing the ball into the net with O'Keeffe desperately trying to guard the otherwise unguarded goal.  Trinity still had plenty of time to equalise and halt their losing run.  With ten minutes to go skipper Matt Jordan scored the equaliser and his second of the game.  After out muscling the Huddersfield centre back near the byline he turned inside and drilled the ball low into the corner of the net to make it 2-2, which is how the game finished.

Trinity had worryingly failed to perform against arguably their weakest opposition of the season, and indeed had looked like relegation candidates themselves.  They definitely have the players to get the ball down and play but need to swiftly adopt the basic attacking principles of passing and moving into their game strategy, otherwise they'll end the season on an almighty low.  Positives to be gained from the game, apart from the fact that they got a point to halt their losing run, were firstly the performance of skipper Matt Jordan up front.  If he can remain fit for the rest of the season who would bet against him catching Stevie Travers and finishing as the club's leading scorer, despite playing in defence for most of the season.  Secondly it was fantastic to see Irish winger Gareth Curran return to the side after being injured all season, and seemingly finish the match unscathed.  His confidence and energy on the ball is a useful addition to any Trinity team.  And finally Chris Gardiner's awful green jacket which he was 'one million% sure' he had lost at the game, causing him great distress, finally turned up on a chair in his house where he'd left it as suspected!

Team:  Piggott, Martin, O'Keeffe, Clubbs, Yates; Mullowney, Gardiner, Coleman, Turner; Barrett, Jordan 

Subs:  Curran (for Turner), Bentley (for Yates)

Formation: 4-4-2

League

Trinity 0  Yorkshire Bank II 1

Yorkshire Bank II went home with the points after converting a first half penalty to win 1-0, as Trinity were defeated for their fourth consecutive game.

Trinity started the game extremely poorly and it was no surprise when the Bank opened the scoring early in the first half, after having a couple of early chances.  A cross from the right evaded the players in the penalty area.  However the referee adjudged that Trinity defender Paul 'Macca' McIntyre had needlessly pushed Bank centre forward Underwood.  Penalty awarded despite McIntyre's sole protests.  Penalty converted, 1-0 to the Bank.  Trinity improved after that goal and though some good football was played by both teams not too many goal scoring chances were created.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first with chances being few and far between.  Trinity's best chances fell to Stevie Travers whose free header went just wide of the post, and Mick Coleman whose firm close range shot was well saved by the goalkeeper.  The Bank had a chance to increase their lead at the end when Trinity were pushing forward for an equaliser, but they failed to convert it.  The game finished 1-0 to Yorkshire Bank II.

Despite being in the top half of the table Trinity are still not free from the threat of relegation.  With four games left, all against teams from the bottom half of the table they need to get back to winning form fast.

Team:  Piggott, McIntyre, O'Keeffe, Will (Angus' pal), Yates; Turner, Mullowney, Gardiner, Martin; Travers, Coleman

Subs:   Barrett (for McIntyre)

Formation: 4-4-2

League

Collegians 3  Trinity 1

Collegians continued their march to the Senior B championship by beating Trinity for the third time this season.  In a close encounter Collegians punished Trinity's few defensive mistakes as to win 3-1, as Trinity were defeated for their third consecutive game.

On a small hard bobbly pitch quality flowing football was always going to be difficult and it was a case of forcing the other side into making mistakes.  Trinity competed well with the divisional leaders and had a couple of chances to score in the first half, the best chance falling to the head of skipper Matt Jordan which went just wide.  Collegians had few chances.  When they did shoot stand-in keeper Big Simon Hollings, Pack Horse regular, was capable enough to save them.  However they stiill managed to find themselves two goals up by half-time.  The first goal came as a result of a misdirected Martin O'Keeffe defensive header.  The ball fell to the Collegians centre forward who steered it past Hollings to make it 1-0.  Then shortly afterwards a deep cross was headed into the roof of the net by the same centre forward, after he'd lost his marker.

Trinity continued to compete in the second half.  But it was Collegians who scored again.  A corner fell to an unmarked Collegians' player who had time to strike the ball towards goal.  His weak shot evaded Hollings and Rogers on the line, to make it 3-0.  Pearson got a goal back for Trinity, robbing the Collegians' full back of the ball before skillfully lobbing the ball over the Collegians' keeper.   Trinity couldn't add to this and the score finished 3-1 to Collegians.

Team:  Hollings, McIntyre, O'Keeffe, Clubbs, Rogers; Martin, Mullowney, Gardiner, J.Brown; Pearson, Jordan

Subs:   Stringer, Turner (for Jordan)

Formation: 4-4-2

League

Old Rovers 5  Trinity 2

Old Rovers gave Trinity a harsh lesson in the art of finishing as they punished a slack Trinity defensive display, notching five goals in their 5-2 victory.

Trinity started the first half brightly enough and it was no surprise when they took the lead.  Skipper Matt Jordan, playing up front instead of his usual sweeper's role, pounced on some indecisive Old Rovers defending.  The keeper could only parry his shot into the direction of Stevie Travers, whose close range header found the goal to make it 1-0.  Trinity then appeared to sit back, allowing Old Rovers to get back into the game.  They equalised when their right midfielder's cross was converted from close range by the centre forward.  Trinity's keeper, young Danny Sheard making his debut in place of the unavailable Micky Piggott, had no chance.  Not long afterwards Old Rovers took the lead.  Their centre forward pounced on a loose ball, leaving the Trinity defence for dead before beating the young Sheard in goal to make it 2-1.  Just before half-time Trinity equalised, with a Matt Jordan header to make it 2-2.

Early in the second half Old Rovers made it 3-2.  The Old Rovers who appeared to be in an offside position received a through ball and fired the ball past Sheard.  Trinity re-organised the team bringing Matt Jordan, who was causing problems for the Old Rovers defence, back into defence.  However that didn't prevent Old Rovers scoring two more goals as they finished 5-2 winners.  Rich Turner, a Leeds DJ who wears make-up, added a touch of glamour to the afternoon with his second half appearance for Trinity.  But not even his arrival could get Trinity back into the game.

Despite not being a vintage Trinity performance, they did create enough chances to get a share of the points.  However it was Old Rovers who finished their chances. 

Team:  Sheard, McIntyre, Mullowney, Clubbs; O'Keeffe, Coleman, Martin, Gardiner, Rogers; Travers, Jordan

Subs:   M.Brown (for McIntyre), Turner (for Mullowney)

Formation: 3-5-2

League

Leeds Medics II 1  Trinity 0

Martin O'Keeffe was left a disappointed manager as Trinity failed to turn second half pressure into goals, as they lost 1-0 to Leeds Medics II.

In the first half Medics took control of the game, being quicker to the ball on most occasions.  Though Trinity were penned in their own half for most of the first half they still managed to create chances on the break.  Stevie Travers having the best of them as they slid the ball past the Medics keeper from the edge of the area, only for the ball to slide just wide of the net.  However Medics got the goal their pressure warranted before the half time break.  Their centre half broke through the Trinity midfield to cross into the penalty area.  After a messy goal mouth scramble the ball found itself in the back of the net courtesy of a deflection.

Trinity dominated proceedings in the second half but weren't able to convert their dominance into goals.  In previous weeks the ball over the top tactic for Stevie Travers to run onto has proved successful.  However Medics had a quick, alert defence which nullified this threat.  Trinity's best chance fell to Huddersfield based Rob Morris.  His six yard volley flew over the bar, after a free kick from the right.  In a bid to get an equaliser skipper Matt Jordan was pushed up front.  Despite shooting just wide from the edge of the area he was unable to provide an equaliser, and the game finished 1-0 to Medics.

Though Trinity cannot be faulted for their work rate they will need to improve their approach play in the final third of the pitch, if they are to start scoring the goals required to make a late promotion push.

Team:  Piggott, McIntyre, Jordan, Clubbs; Mullowney, Martin, Gardiner, Murphy; Travers, Coleman, C.Brown

Subs:   Morris (for Brown), Rogers (for Murphy)

Formation: 3-4-3

League

Sandal 0  Trinity 1

Stevie Travers scored in his fourth successive game to win the game for Trinity with his first half goal, as Trinity climbed to fourth in the table.  However the game was marred by Chris Gardiner's second half red card, the first of his career.

Faced with playing on a small heavy pitch against a big, but slow, team Trinity struggled to play their preferred brand of free flowing, passing football in the first half.  And when hard man Jimmy Yates, sporting a fashionable streak in his hair (fashionable ten years ago though still employed by backward seaside town residents), had to go off with an injured ankle things didn't look good for Trinity.  However Trinity did create the better chances.  London born Stevie Travers, sporting a new Noel Gallagher type hairstyle, narrowly missed the target after good play on the right by still very much the crowd favourite Jim 'Mullers' Mullowney.  Travers scored what turned out to be the winning goal shortly afterwards.  Cathal Brown's shot should have been easily caught by the Sandal keeper.  However he spilt it allowing Travers to follow up and slide the ball into the net.  Not one of his most spectacular of goals but proving how he is fast improving as a forward.  A good forward is always first to the rebound!  Later in the half Travers was brought down for a penalty.  However skipper Matt Jordan, usually reliable from the spot, saw his penalty saved by the keeper. 

The second half saw both defences reign supreme with few chances on offer for both teams.  Trinity looked to be in comfortable position and coasting to a victory.  However with fifteen minutes left on the clock Chris Gardiner flicked out at the prone Sandal midfielder, after nearly being crocked by an attempted two footed tackle. The Sandal player's over reaction convinced the referee he had no alternative but to send Gardiner off.  Unsurprisingly the Sandal player quickly recovered after Gardiner had seen red.  With ten men Trinity now had a battle on their hands.  However they saw out the remaining fifteen minutes and also managed to create a couple of chances towards the end as well.  

Despite the game being mainly about hairstyles, penalty misses and dismissals Trinity still managed to win again, keep a clean sheet again, and Stevie Travers managed to score again as Trinity completed their first double of the season.

Team:  Piggott, McIntyre, Jordan, Clubbs; Mullowney, Gardiner, O’Keeffe, Yates; Travers, Coleman, C.Brown

Subs:  Martin (for Yates), Rogers (for Brown), Murphy (for O'Keeffe)

Formation: 3-4-3

League

Trinity 3 Sandal 1

Stevie Travers is fast enhancing his reputation as a forward to be reckoned with in Senior B.  Against Sandal he proved to be the difference between the two sides as he scored two and set up the other goal for Martin Barrett, as Trinity overcame Sandal 3-0 to climb to fifth place in Senior B.

After a week of frost the weather was pleasantly warm which had the effect of slowing down both teams in the first half, where the game seemed to be played in slow motion at times.  Trinity seemed to benefit more from the pace of play as they were allowed to play their passing game without suffering too much pressure from Sandal.  However their attacks tended to break down too often in the attacking third.  Sandal’s main threat was from corners where their size advantage was potentially dangerous.  However Trinity, and tough guy Jimmy Yates in goal in particular, dealt with this threat effectively.  Just before half-time Martin Barrett bravely charged down a Sandal clearance to set up a one-on-one chance with the Sandal keeper.  With Cathal Brown in fast support Barrett unselfishly played the ball across the keeper for the advancing Brown to pass the ball into the empty goal.  However the referee, who’d already made some questionable decisions, wrongly awarded offside against Brown and disallowed the goal leaving Trinity feeling aggrieved going into half-time with the game goalless.

The second half saw Trinity step up their efforts with their attacks becoming more effective.  Stevie Travers scored his first goal, outpacing the defence and latching onto a through ball before passing it past the keeper to make the score 1-0.  Martin Barrett scored the second, turning and finishing past the keeper after good work from Travers to make the score 2-0.  Later Travers got his second of the game, again outpacing the defence and getting to another through ball before firing past the Sandal keeper to make the final score 3-0. 

Trinity had further chances to increase their lead which they failed to convert.  In contrast Sandal failed to seriously threaten the Trinity goal in the second half.  Credit for that must go to the Trinity team as a whole for their defensive work.

Team:  Yates, McIntyre, Jordan, Clubbs; Mullowney, Coleman, Gardiner, O’Keeffe; Travers, Barrett, C.Brown

Subs:  Martin (for Coleman), Rogers (for O’Keeffe)

Formation: 3-4-3

League

Trinity 1 Stanningley 1

Mick Coleman missed a late chance as Trinity drew 1-1 at home to Stanningley in the league.

After an evening of frost and light snow the match was in danger of being cancelled.  However early morning sunshine rendered the pitch playable, though still very bobbly.  As with the two previous encounters with Stanningley this season the tackling was fierce, with Paul 'Macca' McIntyre setting the tone for the game with an early foul on the Stanningley forward on the half-way line.  Trinity took the lead in the first half.  A Trinity through ball left London born Stevie Travers with a one-on-one with the Stanningley goalkeeper.  His accurate lob found the back of the net to make it 1-0 to Trinity.  Crowd favourite Jim 'Mullers' Mullowney nearly doubled the lead with a well struck shot from thirty yards out, which just cleared the bar.  Stanningley equalised in the first half.  Trinity skipper Matt Jordan swung and missed a low cross from the right leaving the Stanningley forward a simple chance four yards from the goal, which he duly converted to make it 1-1.

At half-time Trinity re-organised their formation, converting to a 3-5-2 to compete with Stanningley's five man midfield.  This had the effect of both teams largely cancelling each other out, with chances were few and far between in the second half.  Trinity did have a late chance to take all three points.  A cross from the left was met by the unmarked Mick Coleman at the far post.  However his shot flew off his foot and went agonisingly past the post, leaving the final score 1-1.

Team: Piggott , McIntyre, Jordan, Clubbs; Mullowney, Coleman, Gardiner, O'Keeffe; J.Brown, Barrett, Travers

Subs:  C.Brown (for O'Keeffe)

Formation: 3-4-3

Yorkshire Old Boys' Shield (Quarter Final)

Collegians 3  Trinity 2 (aet)

Martin Barrett missed a late chance as Trinity agonisingly lost 3-2 after extra-time to Collegians in the quarter-final of the Yorkshire Old Boys' Shield.

Playing uphill and against the wind in the first half, Trinity opted for a defensive approach inviting the opposition to get at them.  As a result Trinity attacks were rare with Barrett isolated up front on his own.  With Trinity's defence playing deep Collegians struggled to find space behind their defence and as the half progressed Trinity seemed to be coping with the opposition adequately.  However that was to change midway through the first half.  A long ball into the penalty area was controlled by the big Collegians forward.  He played in his partner, who'd lost his marker, who took the ball in his stride and placed it past Trinity keeper Mickey Piggott to make it 1-0.  Shortly afterwards a poor Trinity clearance resulted in the Collegians left midfielder cutting inside and curling the ball into the bottom corner of the net to make it 2-0.

With the advantage of playing downhill with the wind after the half-time break, Trinity were able to push forward more in the second half.  London born Stevie Travers halved the deficit, finding space in the Collegians penalty area before firing past the keeper to make it 2-1.  Not long afterwards Trinity equalised.  An excellent Chris Gardiner cross was met at the far post by Martin Brown, whose powerful close range header gave the Collegian's keeper no chance. Trinity were dominating proceedings but they couldn't convert this pressure into goals.

Extra time arrived, with Trinity playing downhill in the first period.  However they seemed to tire and they didn't make their advantage count.  In the second period the Collegians substitute found himself with time and space to shoot from the edge of the area.  His looping shot beat Piggott to make the score 3-2.  Trinity pushed skipper Matt Jordan forward in the hope of getting another equaliser to force the game into penalties.  This tactic nearly worked when in the last attack of the game Jordan flicked the ball towards Martin Barrett, who was unmarked four yards from goal.  Unfortunately Barrett saw the ball late and he could only divert the ball past the post.  The final whistle was blown shortly afterwards with the final score 3-2 to Collegians, and Trinity were out of the Old Boys' Shield.

Team: Piggott , McIntyre, Jordan, Clubbs; Mullowney, Coleman, Gardiner, Yates; Pearson, Barrett, Travers

Subs:  M.Brown (for Pearson), Martin (for Mullowney), Morris (for Yates)

Formation: 3-4-3

League

Colton 0  Trinity 3

Martin Brown inspired Trinity to victory scoring one and being brought down for a penalty in a dazzling ten-minute first half spell, after coming on as a first half substitute for the injured John Rogers.

Trinity took the game to fifth-placed Colton from the first whistle, with the pace of Robbie Pearson and London born Stevie Travers a constant threat to the Colton defence.  With ‘Liverpool’ born Chris Gardiner and changing room loner Mick Coleman pulling the midfield strings Trinity were playing the better football.  However they were constantly frustrated by the Colton offside trap.  Colton’s attacking threats came from hopeful long through balls which caused the Trinity defence problems, and set pieces where they had a distinct height advantage.  Fortunately for Trinity tough guy Jimmy Yates, again deputising in goal for the missing Mickey Piggott, was in terrific form thwarting anything Colton had to throw at him.  Midway through the first half Trinity were forced into a substitution.  Martin Brown replaced the injured John Rogers.  Brown’s impact was immediate.  After receiving a pass on the right side of the Colton penalty area he cut inside to drive the ball past the keeper.  1-0 to Trinity.  Shortly afterwards Brown received the ball again, burst past the Colton centre-half and was brought down for a penalty.  Up stepped skipper Matt Jordan to coolly tuck away his fourth penalty of the season, to make it 2-0.  On the previous three meetings between the teams Colton came back from behind to win 3-2.  So there was no place for complacency in the Trinity ranks.

Half –time came and went, with the second half following a similar pattern to the first half.  Trinity continued to be frustrated by the Colton offside trap, and Colton were unable to pierce the Trinity defence.  On one occasion when they beat the offside trap Trinity added to their first half lead.  After being played through Robbie Pearson side-footed past the keeper to make it 3-0.  The Trinity defence remained intact for the rest of the game to record their second consecutive clean sheet, an achievement no current Trinity player has a recollection of happening before.  Trinity continued to play good football going forward, creating a couple of chances, but couldn’t add to their three-goal lead and the game ended 3-0.

Team:  Yates, McIntyre, Jordan, Clubbs; Mullowney, Coleman, Gardiner, Rogers; Travers, Barrett, Pearson

Subs:  M.Brown (for Rogers), Healey (for Coleman)

Formation: 3-4-3

League

Trinity 2  East Ardsley 0

London born Stevie Travers scored one and was brought down for the match clinching penalty as Trinity opened up 2003 with a 2-0 victory against bottom of the table East Ardsley, to climb to seventh in the division.

It was a case of ‘new year – new formation’ as Trinity kicked off their first game of the calendar year against East Ardsley.  The 3-4-3 formation which had served Trinity well in the second half of their last game, when they came back from four goals down against Calverley GC in the Leeds & Disrict Cup before eventually losing, was employed for the first time at the start of a game this season.  With Stevie Travers joining regular forwards Martin Barrett and Robbie Pearson up front, Trinity carved up the East Ardsley defence time and time again in the first half.  However the final pass and finish proved to be missing.  Nevertheless Trinity did go into the half time break 1-0 up.  After chasing a long punt from keeper Mickey Piggott, Stevie Travers managed to round the East Ardsley keeper before passing the ball into the net. 

The second half continued with Trinity playing the better football but without being able to produce the required end product, namely goals.  That was until Stevie Travers was brought down in the penalty area, after cutting in from the right.  Skipper Matt Jordan stepped up and tucked away the penalty.  However the referee wrongly adjudged that crowd favourite Jim ‘Mullers’ Mullowney had entered the area before the kick was taken.  The referee hadn’t seen Jim ‘Mullers’ Mullowney expertly time his run into the area to be first to a possible rebound, and was thus deceived by his pace, called the penalty to be retaken.  Again Matt Jordan stepped up and again he coolly placed his penalty into the back of the net.  This time the referee spotted no infringement and the goal stood. 2-0 to Trinity.  East Ardsley fought back well in their attempts to get back into the game, winning more challenges and forcing corners and free kicks close to the Trinity goal.  But they never really came close to scoring.  Trinity continued to play the better football but despite creating more chances the finishing touches were lacking, and the game ended 2-0 to Trinity.

Team:  Piggott, McIntyre, Jordan, Clubbs; Mullowney, Coleman, Gardiner, Yates; Travers, Barrett, Pearson

Subs:  Rogers (for Yates), Martin (for Coleman)

Formation: 3-4-3

Leeds & District Cup (3rd round)

Trinity 4  Calverley GC 5

After finding themselves four goals down at half time Trinity managed to claw back the deficit in the second half, only to be dealt a cruel killer blow as Calverley GC triumphed 5-4 to end their Leeds & District Cup hopes. 

With regular goalkeeper Mickey Piggott still unavailable, Trinity tough guy Jimmy Yates was again forced to play in goal.  However this was probably a game he’d prefer to forget.  Trinity nearly took the lead after London born Irish man Stevie Travers found his way through the middle of the Calverley defence, only to have his shot saved by the keeper.  The rest of the half belonged to Calverley as they banged in four goals without reply through a mixture of fine play, good fortune and poor Trinity defensive play.  Their second summed up the half for Trinity.  Trinity keeper Jimmy Yates slipped as a free kick was taken, and could do little as the ball struck his elbow before hitting the back of the net.

No doubt Calverley thought the tie was as good as over with a half time score line of 4-0 in their favour.  However Trinity still felt they could fight their way back in the second half.  The appearance of second half substitutes, late arrival Robbie Pearson and Thackley based Geordie funny man Mickey Fallon, was the catalyst to the Trinity arrival.  Calverley struggled to cope with Pearson’s skill and pace on the left wing in particular.  Centre forward Martin Barrett started the revival with Trinity’s first goal.  Then skipper Matt Jordan forced in the second.  Barrett netted his second and Trinity’s third to make the score 4-3.  Trinity pressured the Calverley goal creating chances galore in the search for an equaliser.  It finally came when Geordie funny man Mickey Fallon broke through on the right and fired his shot past the keeper to make it 4-4.  There looked like there was only going to be one winner.  However Trinity seemingly relaxed briefly after they had equalised.  And it was at this most vulnerable of moments that Calverley broke through and scored with their first meaningful attack of the second half to make it 5-4.  For the rest of the game Trinity were practically camped in the Calverley penalty area, coming close to scoring on a number of occasions.  Somehow though Calverley managed to keep Trinity at bay and when the final whistle went victory belonged to them.

Team:  Yates; McIntyre, Jordan, Clubbs; Bentley, Mullowney, Martin, Gardiner, Travers; Barrett, M.Brown

Subs:  Pearson (for M.Brown), Fallon (for Martin)

Formation:  3-5-2

Saturday 14 December 2002

League

Trinity 2  Collegians 3

Despite coming back from two goals down, Trinity’s winning run eventually came to an end as form team Collegians triumphed 3-2 to leave Trinity still fourth from bottom of the table. 

Trinity made a poor start.  A long ball was misjudged by the Trinity defence, allowing a Collegians’ forward to run through and cross it for his team mate to score easily at the back post.  Not long afterwards Collegians doubled their lead.  After winning a header in midfield a Collegians’ forward was given too much time to find his team mate in the area, who finished off his chance to make the score 2-0.  At this stage free scoring Collegians probably felt they were going to run out convincing winners, as they have done against other opposition this season.  However Trinity’s recent winning run has demonstrated they are made of sterner stuff.  London born Irish man Stevie Travers nearly scored when his shot from inside the penalty area went just wide, after he’d beating a defender.  Then after more good work on the right from Travers, skipper Matt Jordan’s cross was met with a superb diving header at the far post by popular crowd favourite Jim ‘Mullers’ Mullowney to make the score 2-1.  Just before half time Stevie Travers was brought down in the penalty area.  After a long delay skipper Matt Jordan stepped up to coolly stroke his penalty into the back of the net to make it 2-2.

Trinity were hoping that they could start the second half where they finished the first, well on top.  However this wasn’t to be.  The second half was short on chances for both teams.  One goal was scored but unfortunately for Trinity they were not the scorers.  A low free kick was played into the Collegians’ centre forward on the edge of the area, who was allowed to turn and drive in a shot.  Trinity hard man Jimmy Yates, forced to play in goal after the late withdrawal of regular keeper Mickey Piggott, couldn’t hold onto the ball and the Collegians’ substitute was first to the rebound to make the score 3-2.  It was unfortunate for Yates who’d performed well and had made crucial saves throughout the game.  Despite their efforts Trinity couldn’t force another equaliser.  Their best chance fell to forward Martin Barrett, whose firm shot from inside the area was well saved by the keeper.

So Trinity’s winning run has come to an end.  Next Saturday Trinity face Calverley in the Leeds & District Cup.  With star forward Robbie Pearson back in action after missing this week hopefully Trinity can get back to winning ways. 

Team:  Yates; McIntyre, Jordan, Clubbs; Bentley, Mullowney, O’Keeffe, Gardiner, Travers; Barrett, Coleman

Subs:  Rogers (for Bentley), Martin (for Coleman)

Formation:  3-5-2

League

Huddersfield Amateurs 2  Trinity 4

Trinity leapfrogged Huddersfield Amateurs to climb out of the relegation zone with a 4-2 victory.

Stevie Travers opened the scoring for Trinity early in the first half, cutting in from the left and shooting high into the net from the edge of the area.  Martin Barrett made it 2-0 shortly afterwards, scoring from a rebound after the keeper failed to hold his first shot from the edge of the area.  Robbie Pearson then made it 3-0, again scoring from a rebound after the keeper failed to hold onto another shot.  Trinity seemed to take their foot off the pedal, allowing Huddersfield to get back in the game.  Stand in goalkeeper Chris Miller was called on to make some excellent saves, including one from Martin Clubbs his own team mate.  However he was powerless to stop the Huddersfield forward scoring just before half time.  Despite two Trinity defenders being favourites to reach although ball, the forward managed to get to the ball first and clip it past Miller to make it 3-1.

In the second half Huddersfield scored a second goal.  After Trinity hard man Jimmy Yates had committed a foul outside the area, the resulting free kick was met at the far post by the Huddersfield centre forward to who made no mistake with his finish.  Huddersfield had their chances to equalise as Trinity looked as though they were going to crumble under the pressure.  However Trinity managed to regain their composure and regained control of the game.  Their fourth goal came courtesy of a hopeful Nick Bentley long ball.  Chris Gardiner managed to hold off the Huddersfield defender and place the ball into the corner of the net, beyond the keeper.  Huddersfield couldn’t come back from this and the game fished 4-2 to Trinity.

Four wins on the trot now for Trinity, and out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.  Next week will provide them with their hardest test of the season against unbeaten form team Collegians.  However on Trinity’s form it could also be the toughest test for Collegians this season.

Team:  Miller; Yates, O’Keeffe, Clubbs; Bentley, Mullowney, Rogers, Gardiner, Travers; Barrett, Pearson

Subs:  Coleman (for Rogers), McIntyre (for Barrett)

Formation:  3-5-2

Saturday 30 November 2002

Yorkshire Old Boys' Shield (2nd round)

Stanningley 1  Trinity 3 

In a hard fought contest Trinity made it three wins in a row, beating Stanningley 3-1 to go through to the quarter final stages of the Old Boys' Shield.

After a downpour of rain the pitch was in a heavy state making it difficult for both teams to play good football in the first half.  Both teams were quick and determined in the tackle, with Stanningley having the slight edge forcing a number of corners.  However it was Trinity who took the lead in the first half.  Pearson latched onto to a through ball and managed to dribble past the keeper twice before firing Trinity into a 1-0 lead.  

The second half saw Trinity take a firmer grip on the game as they found more space  to play their football, despite Stanningley still being fierce in the tackle.  Irish born Stevie Travers made it 2-0 to Trinity, finding space in the penalty area to drill the ball into the bottom corner of the net after a cross from the left.  Then later Mick Coleman, returning after a self-imposed year long exile, made it 3-0.  His weak shot just made it over the line beating the despairing defenders after another left wing cross.  Stanningley got a consolation goal twelve minutes from the end when Trinity keeper Mickey Piggott, who'd made a few fantastic stops in the game, uncharacteristically fumbled an innocuous shot from outside the area into the net.

Such a competitive match did result in a few casualties.  Trinity's 'favourite defender' Paul 'Macca' McIntyre injured his ankle in a challenge, after a Stevie Travers hospital ball, and was taken off before half time.  Kevin Murphy and John Rogers also sustained injuries, the severity of which is unclear at this present time.

Trinity's quarter final opponents will be Collegians, the form team in Senior B, in January.  Before then they will play them in two weeks time in the league, in a fixture that has 'mouth watering' written all over it.

Team:  Piggott; McIntyre, Jordan, Murphy; Bentley, Mullowney, Martin,  Travers, Rogers; Barrett, Pearson

Subs:  Gardiner (for McIntyre), Coleman (for Murphy), Hanley (for Rogers)

Formation: 3-5-2

Saturday 23 November 2002

League 

Batelians 2  Trinity 5  

Martin Barrett went to the top of the Trinity goal scoring charts, scoring two goals, as Trinity recorded their first league victory of the season with a 5-2 victory at Batelians to climb off the bottom of the table.

On a pitch ideal for good football both teams were able to get the ball down and play throughout the match.  In the first half chances were few and far between.  Trinity played good football, and managed to get behind the Batelians defence on occasions, but their attacks tended to break down on the final pass and cross.  Batelians caused Trinity a few problems, particularly on their right wing, but again they couldn't make the final breakthrough.  The first half finished 0-0.

Batelians took the lead midway early in the second half after a right wing cross was headed in at the far post by the Batelians centre forward.  Trinity’s response was excellent, stepping up a gear in search of the equaliser.  It finally arrived when crowd favourite Jim ‘Muller’s Mullowney, who’d made a superb forward run, latched onto a through ball from Trinity hard man Jimmy Yates.  The keeper saved his first effort but when Martin Barrett returned the ball, popular crowd figure Jim ‘Mullers’ Mullowney made no mistake as he curled the ball round the keeper into the bottom corner of the net.  Martin Barrett made it 2-1 to Trinity after Robbie Pearson showed a turn of pace to beat the Batelians defence.  Pearson’s pass across the face of the goal presented Barrett with the easiest of chances to make it 2-1.  Kevin Murphy made it 3-1 after converting from a Pearson cut back, after Pearson had again got round the back of the defence with his skill and pace.  Pearson himself got the goal he deserved, lobbing the keeper after a long Trinity through ball to make it 4-1.  Then Barrett got his second of the game, despite appearing to be offside, side footing past the keeper after being played through by Pearson to make it 5-1.  Batelians got a late consolation goal to make the final score 5-2 to Trinity.

So Trinity have climbed off the bottom of the table after acquiring their first league win of the season.  Since last month’s heavy 5-1 home defeat to division leaders Old Rovers, Trinity have been unbeaten in four league and cup games.  The quality and size of the squad is good and looks capable of continuing this form.  After a poor start of the season the corner appears to have been turned.  But Trinity shouldn’t get too carried away with their recent results, as the quality of opposition hasn’t been the best.  The next few weeks will determine if the recent form has provided a false dawn, or the platform for continued success.

Team:  Piggott; McIntyre, Jordan, Clubbs; Bentley, Mullowney, Martin,  Murphy, Yates; Barrett, Pearson

Subs:  J. Brown (for Bentley), Rogers (for Yates), Travers (for Mullowney)

Formation: 3-5-2

Saturday 16 November 2002

Leeds & District Cup (2nd round)

Trinity 2  Western Juniors 0

Martin Barrett blasted Trinity into the third round of the Leeds & District Cup with a first half strike, as Trinity overcame Division One side Western Juniors.  Angus Martin clinched victory in the second half, with his first ever goal for Trinity, as Trinity finished 2-0 winners.

Early morning rain left the pitch wet and greasy with players finding it difficult to turn.  In the first half both defences struggled against forwards running with the ball.  Trinity, playing with yet another different formation, were playing the better football and it was no surprise when they took the lead midway through the first half.  Martin Barrett, still without a player profile on the club website, controlled the ball just outside of the area before blasting it into the roof of the net to make it 1-0 to Trinity.  As the half progressed Trinity struggled with the Western Juniors long ball, despite playing with a spare man at the back.  Keeper Mickey Piggott was called upon to make a couple of vital saves to ward off the Western Juniors attack.

Early in the second half Piggott pulled off the save of the game, stopping from point blank range from the Western Juniors forward.  Then after a corner the referee missed a Kevin Murphy handball in the penalty area, as he cleared the danger.  After the Western Juniors centre forward was brought off through injury, Trinity took control for the rest of the half.  The defence looked comfortable and thwarted all the Western Juniors attacks, while the team as a whole found more time and space to pass and progress forward though very few chances were actually created.  With ten minutes remaining Angus Martin clinched victory with his first ever goal for Trinity, firing home after latching onto a Robbie Pearson through ball.

Three games unbeaten now for Trinity.  Trinity will have to carry this form over into the league as they now find themselves bottom of the division without a league win this season.  Next Saturday’s game away to Batelians gives them the perfect opportunity for their first league victory.

Team:  Piggott; McIntyre, Jordan, Clubbs; Bentley, Mullowney, Murphy, Gardiner, Yates; Barrett, Pearson

Subs:  Martin (for Mullowney), J. Brown (for Yates), Rogers (for Murphy)

Formation: 3-5-2

Saturday 9 November 2002

League

Stanningley 4 Trinity 4 

After leading by 3-0 in the first half Trinity will feel it’s a case of two points lost as opposed to one point gained, in this thrilling 4-4 draw against second placed Stanningley.

With manager Martin O’Keeffe on holiday with a friend, it was left to skipper Matt Jordan and disgraced ex-manager Nick Bentley to prepare Trinity for the game.  New signing Chris Gardiner and Stevie Travers came into the side, to add much needed mobility to the Trinity midfield.  From the moment the referee blew his whistle to start the game Trinity attacked with aggression and tenacity.  It was no surprise when the excellent Stevie Travers opened the scoring, early in the first half, lobbing the goalkeeper after latching onto a through ball.  Crowd favourite Jim ‘Mullers’ Mullowney increased the lead for Trinity midway through the first half.  Receiving the ball on the right he deceived the opposing midfielder with an exquisite turn, before unleashing a shot from just outside the area.  A slight deflection deceived the keeper and the ball found itself in the back of the net. 2-0 Trinity.  Not long after Robbie Pearson, returning after injury, made it 3-0 when he crashed the ball home after the goalkeeper saved a Stevie Travers shot.  Stanningley replied immediately when the lively Stanningley centre forward cut inside with the ball beating skipper Matt Jordan, and his shot beat keeper Piggott from the edge of the area to make t 3-1.  The same centre forward scored his second not long after.  Again he cut inside beating the Trinity defence, and his low right foot shot whistled through Piggott’s legs and into the goal.  Trinity extended their lead before half time.  A free-kick from the left beat everybody.  New signing Gardiner latched onto the ball.  His well driven cross from the right took a wicked deflection from a Stanningley defender before beating the goalkeeper.  4-2 Trinity.  However just before half time Stanningley scored again.  A through ball resulted in the lively Stanningley centre forward again getting away from slow to react skipper Matt Jordan.  Before he could shoot Jordan caught up but upended him.  Penalty.  Coolly despatched.  4-3.

The second half saw Trinity trying to hold onto their slim lead.  However midway through the second half Stanningley equalised.  A seemingly harmless Stanningley crossed was uncharacteristically dropped by Trinity keeper Mickey Piggott, straight to the feet of the oncoming Stanningley player.  He made no mistake of this gift.  4-4 and everything to play for.  Trinity upped the tempo and they had the better chances to reclaim the lead.  Pearson, Brown and Gardiner all coming close.  Just before the final whistle Piggott made a tremendous save after a Stanningley player cracked a shot from outside the area, to ensure Trinity kept the point. 

4-4 the final result.  A fair result for both teams after both contributing to an excellent game of football. 

Team:  Piggott; Murphy, Jordan, Dickerson, Yates; Bentley, Mullowney, Gardiner, Travers; M.Brown, Pearson

Subs:  Clubbs (for Bentley), Hanley (for Dickerson), McIntyre (for Travers)

Formation: 4-4-2

Saturday 26 October 2002

Yorkshire Old Boys' Shield (1st round)

Trinity 4  Adel 2

Martin Brown scored two goals, as Trinity secured their first win of the season to go through to the second round of the Old Boy's Shield.

With the wind behind them Trinity started the first half briskly, and were two goals up before 2001 League champions Adel knew what had hit them.  After a goal mouth scramble Martin Barrett managed to control the ball and smash it into the roof of the net from ten yards out, to put Trinity 1-0 up.  Not long afterwards a Trinity through ball was completely misjudged by the Adel keeper, leaving Martin Brown with an open goal in front of him.  He duly obliged, 2-0.  Both teams started to bring down the ball and play, producing an entertaining game for the spectator.  Just over midway through the first half came the goal of the game.  Crowd favourite Jim 'Mullers' Mullowney made an excellent forward run from midfield, to latch onto Martin Brown's through ball, before expertly lobbing the oncoming keeper to make it 3-0.  After this goal Trinity took their foot off the pedal allowing Adel to take control of the rest of the half.

The second half started as the first half had ended with Adel dominating possession and pushing forward.  It wasn't long before they got their first goal back.  A corner wasn't properly cleared.  Trinity hard case Jimmy Yates and Trinity keeper Mickey Piggott were a little hesitant as the ball was played back into the area, allowing the Adel forward to nip in and score.  Midway through the half a cross from the right was headed into the top of the net by the Adel forward, to make it 3-2 with everything to play for.  However Trinity didn't crumble, stepping up a gear in terms of effort and quality of play.  With ten minutes to go Trinity scored their fourth, to decide the outcome of the game.  Excellent play on the right from the popular Jim 'Mullers' Mullowney and Kevin Murphy resulted in a cross into the area.  Martin Brown found time and space to control the ball and place it to the right of the keeper to score his second, and make it 4-2.  The much loved Jim 'Mullers' Mullowney nearly made it 5-2 near the end after a clever one-two on the edge of the area with Martin Barrett.  However on this occasion he was thwarted by the keeper.

With their first win of the season under their belt, confidence should be high as they resume their League programme in two weeks time away at Stanningley, who they will also be facing in the next round of the Old Boys' Shield.

Team:  Piggott; Murphy, Dickerson, Jordan,  Yates; Bentley, Mullowney, Martin, J.Brown; M.Brown, Barrett

Subs: McIntyre (for Bentley)

Formation: 4-4-2

Saturday 19 October 2002

League

Trinity 1  Old Rovers 5

Jimmy Yates, Trinity tough guy, scored spectacular goals for both teams as Trinity were thrashed 5-1 at home to table toppers Old Rovers.

In a completely one sided first half  as Old Rovers banged in five goals without any reply.  The goals were largely due to individual errors, as goals conceded often are.  However Rovers did dominate possession, being first to the ball on too many occasions.  In addition they were presented with plenty of time and space to play the quality football they are capable of.  Their first two goals were both though balls that were finished off by their centre forward.  The third goal saw their centre back, unmarked at a corner, score after a rebound.  A free kick crossed into the penalty area, which went straight into the net after being missed by everyone was goal number four.  Then Jimmy Yates sent a diving header into his own net after a cross from the Rovers left, to make it 5-0.  Trinity did have a couple of first half chances.  A Gavin Hanley header went wide and Trinity captain Matt Jordan hit the post, after a clever free kick from crowd favourite Jim 'Mullers' Mullowney.

Half time saw Trinity change to a 3-5-2 formation, allowing them to deny the Old Rovers midfield the time and space they were granted in the first half.  In a much better second half display Trinity were more aggressive and first to the ball on many occasions.  Early in the second half  Trinity hard case Jimmy Yates sent an unstoppable shot over the Rovers keeper with the outside of his left foot to make it 5-1, after some good work on the left.  However this proved to be Trinity's only consolation as despite their work rate chances still proved difficult to create, Yates managed a couple more shots, and the game finished 5-1 to Old Rovers.

Team:  Piggott; McIntyre, Clubbs, Jordan,  Yates; Mullowney, Martin, O’Keeffe, J.Brown; M.Brown, Hanley

Subs: Murphy (for O'Keeffe), Finn (for J.Brown)

Formation: 4-4-2

Saturday 12 October 2002

League

Trinity 1  Batelians 1

Martin Brown saved the day for Trinity with a speculative shot from the edge of the area,  to earn Trinity their first point of the season.  Then right at the end he crashed the ball against the bar after a fine save from the keeper.

With conditions ideal for getting the ball down and playing Trinity didn't disappoint the crowd by serving up their best football of the season, as well as creating their most chances.  Early in the first half a through ball caused confusion in the Batelians defence.  Martin Brown latched onto the loose ball chipping the keeper, but unfortunately the bar as well.  Later on in the half an excellent piece of football saw the improving McIntyre thread a ball though to crowd favourite Jim 'Mullers' Mullowney.  His cut back was volleyed just over by Martin Brown.

In the second half further chances fell Trinity's way.  Stevie Travers was left with only the keeper to beat as the ball fell to him in the six yard box, but he blasted the ball over the bar.  Then a cross from the right was met by Travers, but the defender got to the ball before Pearson could poke the ball over the line.  After seemingly looking like the more likely scorers disaster struck for Trinity.  McIntyre's throw back to the keeper Piggott fell short and was intercepted by the Batelians forward, who rounded Piggott to set up an easy goal.  It was then that Martin Brown saved the day for Trinity by equalising from the edge of the area, after a fine tackle from the ever popular Mullowney.  Trinity nearly grabbed all three points when after a fine run from Pearson, the much admired Mullowney's shot was saved and Martin Brown's rebound crashed against the bar.  Trinity didn't have it all their own way as keeper Piggott was forced to make a couple of vital saves.

The performance was marred by the first half injury to Joe Collucio, who appeared to dislocate his shoulder and left the ground in an an ambulance.  However his shin pads played on, appearing on the second half substitute.  

Still no wins, but the performance suggests the first victory is not far away.  

Team:  Piggott; McIntyre, Clubbs, Jordan,  Collucio; Mullowney, Martin, O’Keeffe, Dickerson; M.Brown, Pearson

Subs: Travers (for Collucio), Hanley (for O’Keeffe)

Formation: 4-4-2

Saturday 5 October 2002

Terry Marflitt Trophy

Trinity 1  Old Rovers 2 (aet)

After 120 minutes of cup tie football, Trinity went out of the Terry Marflitt Trophy at the first hurdle to Senior B table toppers Old Rovers.

It started badly for Trinity.  An early penalty was conceded, and then converted, when Angus Martin handled the ball  while under no apparent pressure.  Trinity fought back passing the ball better than recent weeks, without really threatening the Old Rovers goal.  Then before half time a cross from the left resulted in Jimmy Brown being pushed in the area.  Outcome - Trinity penalty, coolly dispatched by skipper Matt Jordan.

On an excellent pitch ideal for good football, both teams found time and space in the second half to get the ball down and play.  The better chances fell to Old Rovers.  Piggott made an excellent save from the Rovers forward, who was surprised to find himself set up by the crowd favourite Jim 'Mullers' Mullowney.  

In extra time Rovers looked the most threatening.  In the second period, with the Trinity defence tiring, Rovers broke through on the left and a cross was converted by their centre forward.  Only minutes earlier a similar effort had been disallowed for offside.  Trinity tried in desperation to equalise.  However they could never get enough bodies forward to pose a serious threat.  A Jordan shot from the edge of the penalty area proved to be their final effort.

Team:  Piggott; McIntyre, Clubbs, Jordan, Collucio; J.Brown, Martin, Mullowney, Yates; Barrett, Pearson

Subs: M.Brown (for Barrett), Dickerson (for Mullowney), Finn (for Collucio)

Formation: 4-4-2

Saturday 28 September 2002

League

Trinity 1  Leeds Medics II 3

Goals may indeed pay the rent according to David Coleman (see ‘Match of the Day in the 1970s’ video).  However it is points that feed the hungry children.  In this case the hungry child is Trinity.  Despite Jimmy Brown paying his share of the rent with a well taken first half goal, Medics’ three goal reply ensured that the Trinity child remained starving after their third league defeat of the season.

It all started well for Trinity.  Jimmy Brown latched onto a loose bouncing ball in the penalty area to crash home Trinity’s first goal of the season.  However Medics picked up the pace, and from a corner a header was converted to make the score 1-1 before half-time.

In the second half Medics took the lead.  Their central midfielder broke through to lob Piggott after Trinity lost possession the Medics half.  Trinity’s attempts to equalise were thwarted by constantly giving the ball away too cheaply.  However chances did fall to Jordan, who couldn’t quite get onto the end of a Jimmy Brown mis-hit shot, and Jimmy Yates who blasted over from just outside the area.  Postman Shaun Finn came on but he wasn’t able to deliver an equaliser. Medics got their third after breaking away near the end as Trinity committed players forward.

Team:  Piggott; McIntyre, Clubbs, Dickerson; Martin; Bentley, Mullowney, O’Keeffe, J.Brown; Jordan, Barrett

Subs: Yates (for Barrett), Finn (for O’Keeffe)

Formation: 3-1-4-2

Saturday 21 September 2002

League

Yorkshire Bank II 2  Trinity 0

Yorkshire Bank II refused to let Trinity open their goal scoring account this season.  A goal in each half was enough to secure the points for the reigning Senior B champions.  The Bank, who had the best defensive record in the entire league, last season were always going to be a tough nut for any attack to crack.  Even more so for a team who have yet to score now in two league games and a pre-season friendly this season. 

Defensively Trinity performed well, particularly the goalkeeper and the three defenders.  However as a team Trinity were quite poor when they had the ball.  Generally good possession was often thrown away with lack of passing options, poor passing and poor decision-making.  Crosses into the area were often met by a lack of Trinity bodies.

Trinity did have their chances.  In the first half crowd favourite Jim ‘Mullers’ Mullowney snatched a shot over the bar from just inside the penalty area, following a clever free kick from Jimmy ‘Browny’ Brown.  In the second half Jimmy Brown blasted a shot over the bar from the edge of the area, and his brother Martin Brown was foiled by the post with a close range effort.

The first Bank goal came in the first half when a partially cleared attacked was crossed back into the area, flicked on and the Bank left midfielder headed home.  The second goal arrived late in the second half.  After a Trinity offside claim near the halfway line was dismissed by the referee, the Bank forwards burst through to set up an easily converted goal inside the Trinity area.

The pain of defeat for Trinity manager Martin ‘Punk’ O’Keeffe was compounded with the sharp physical pain in his nut regions, inflicted by bravely putting his genitals where others are scared to put their feet.  This left him pondering the question ‘Where have by balls gone?’ as well as ’Where are the goals going to come from?’

Team:  Piggott; McIntyre, Clubbs, Dickerson; Martin; Bentley, O’Keeffe, Mullowney, Yates; J.Brown, M.Brown

Subs: Travers (for O’Keeffe), Collucio (for Yates)

Formation: 3-1-4-2

Saturday 14 September 2002

League

KSC 1  Trinity 0

It was a game where the only way a goal was going to be scored was through a defensive mistake.  Unfortunately it was Trinity who made that crucial defensive mistake which handed the game to KSC.  With time running out KSC broke from the back and played a long through ball which posed little danger to the Trinity defence.  However a moment of indecision by the otherwise reliable Trinity sweeper Shaun ‘Finny’ Finn allowed the KSC forward to nip in, round goalkeeper Piggott and score the winner.

The first half set the tone for the remainder of the game.  The pace was frantic, with little quality football being played on the tight bobbly KSC pitch.  Martin ‘Browny’ Brown demonstrated his quality by setting himself up for a couple of shots outside the area.  Ever popular Jim ‘Mullers’ Mullowney burst through from midfield, only to shoot tamely wide.  Trinity hard man Jimmy ‘Yatesy’ Yates indulged in a spot of pushing and shoving with his opposite number.  The Trinity offside trap often thwarted KSC attacks; legendary Paul ‘Macca’ McIntyre leading the arm raising to initiate the referee’s whistle blowing.

The frantic pace continued in the second half.  KSC dominated in terms of territorial play, with Trinity struggling to get the ball out of their own half.  However Trinity created more clear-cut chances.  Martin Barrett charged through the middle of the KSC defence but fell as he was about to shoot, after contact with a defender.  Then after a cross from the right Barrett was faced with an open goal from four yards out as the KSC goalkeeper fumbled the ball.  Unfortunately the situation he was in caught him by surprise and he fluffed his chance.  Player-manager O’Keeffe then entertained the home crowd with a comedy fall near the touchline.

Nil-Nil seemed to be the score the game was heading for, which would have been a fair result for both teams.  That was until the defensive lapse near the end of the game handed the game to KSC.

Team:  Piggott; McIntyre, Finn, Clubbs; Bentley, Mullowney, O’Keeffe, Yates; J.Brown, M.Brown, Barrett

Subs: Dickerson (for Bentley), Pearson (for J.Brown), Collucio (for Yates)

Formation: 3-4-3

Saturday 7 September 2002

Friendly

Centralians 1  Trinity 0  

The result may not have been ideal but there was plenty to be gained from Trinity’s pre-season friendly with Senior A side Centralians.  Despite not creating many goal-scoring chances Trinity turned in a solid performance against a side that finished second in the top division last season. 

Indeed there were many positives for new manager Martin O’Keeffe to take away from the game.  Piggott’s performance in goal suggests he will be a worthy successor to Keith Doherty.  Dickerson put in a strong performance at right back, commanding in the air and showing willingness to go forward.  Finn put in an all action display in the centre of the park.  If he is available all season he will surely be a main contributor to the Trinity cause.  Jordan's pace and ability to hold the ball up front gives O’Keeffe the problem of deciding the position of last season’s player of the year.  Will last season’s sweeper be this season’s centre forward?

Centralians’ goal came midway through the first half.  Barrett was left stranded by the Centralians’ centre forward, who burst through to strike an excellent shot past Piggott.  Other than that Centralians were limited to chances from set pieces.

Overall a satisfying performance from Trinity.  All attending squad members got a good run out.  On the strength of this display Trinity look as though they will be a tough team to beat this season.

Team:  Piggott; Dickerson, Murphy, Clubbs, Yates; Bentley, Mullowney, Finn, J.Brown; Jordan, M.Brown

Formation: 4-4-2