Thanks once again to Ian Cusack for our latest report:

In a season that has seen more kicks in the teeth than a dentistry convention in a Dr Marten’s factory, Percy Main Amateurs ended up on the end of a harsh scoreline as they went down to their twentieth league defeat of this campaign. The score may suggest another comprehensive loss on the road, but that was never the case. While you cannot argue with the final result, aided by some excellent home finishing from half chances in the second period, the fact it was scoreless at the interval tells more of the actual truth of a game that Percy Main were always competitive in. While we’ve been accustomed to seeing both Hurds in the colours of the Main and those with longer memories can recall two generations of Rogerson on and off the pitch, it was a great moment to see the Cole dynasty established. Graeme Cole was an excellent centre half, great club man and thoroughly decent bloke, until injury sadly curtailed his career. In this game it was a joy to see his son Ethan Cole make a calm, unhurried and eye-catching debut, also in the centre back position. His partnership with Adam Green looks a solid one and both were utterly blameless for the goals the Main did concede.

With a degree of luck, Percy Main could have gone into the break with their noses in front. Dan Souter saw his left-wing corner kick elude everyone and strike the inside of the post, before being scrambled away by a panicking home defence. A minute later, Pont keeper Josh Sharkey was deceived by the uneven bobble of a seemingly straightforward back pass and shanked it inches wide of the post. These were highlights of a previous chanceless encounter where the home side were enjoying more possession. The returning Lennon Trinder in the Percy goal did have one save to take, showing agile footwork and a good stretch to palm away a free kick in the 35th minute as the slow burning game began to catch fire.

At the break, talk was of a potential Percy victory if luck would turn and perhaps afford Matty Hayton a clear sight of goal. Sadly, despite there being nothing in the game, the usual lack of firepower up top and a crucial injury to Josh Mottram saw the contest go the way of the home side. Firstly, Craig Fairley bundled the ball home from close range after an astute knockdown by Mason Stephenson on 53 minutes. Twenty minutes later, it was game over when Evan Jardine finished in some style under the advancing Trinder. The scoring was completed on 88 minutes when a Pont breakaway saw Chris Hibbitt finish powerfully with his left foot in a manner that would not have disgraced his legendary grandfather. Another tough result to take, with the tin hat put on it by a final chance for a consolation for Marcio Dalia denied by a wicked bobble in front of goal.

Man of the Match: Ethan Cole
Next up: Newcastle Chemfica at home on Wednesday evening.