21 August 2004 - Friendly
Green King Athletic 4 v Darkside 1
Team: Andy, Ben E, Craig, Emmon, Errol, James, Mike, Phill, Steve, Stuart, Tim, Tony
Goals: Tony / Assists: Ben / MOTM: Stuart / MM: Steve

Darksides first friendly game of the 2004/2005 season was at Kingston Round recreation ground at 11am against Green King Athletic (Division Five). The first half performance lacked fluidity and the whites were rushed on the ball and did not play their usual quick passing game. Although Craig hit the post in the first half, Darkside concieded a hat-trick to the distinctly bald Green King captain, who was later stretchered off, a reoccurance of cruciate knee ligament damage.

The second half was far brighter, Tony came on in place of Steve, who in turn came back on in opposition colours to give an inspired performance against Darkside! The midfield saw far more of the ball with Tim, Stuart and Craig enjoying good possession, and James providing a creative outlet out on the right. This pressure led to a couple of good opportunities, one of which came back off the crossbar. Adjusting to the loss of their star player Green King were gradually coming back into the game and Steve scored a scrappy break away goal, against Darkside! Althought down by 4 goals, Darkside battled on and evetually were rewarded with a goal, inspired by Ben coming out of goal for the last fifteen minutes, Tony struck a left foot shot past the Green King keeper, this was to be Darksides only goal of the game! In the dying moments, the referee awarded a penalty against Green King Athletic for a handball in the penalty area, but captain Andy Brady, playing his first game after a long term injury put the ball wide.

Speaking after the match Darkside manager Neil Tanner commented "Overall, not a vintage performance but it gave me a look to see how the players did in a full 90 minute game against reasonable opposition, we will improve over the season, and hopefully be in the promotion race".

Match report by: Neil