Last updated 13:33, Thursday, 14 August 2008

JOHN Deere sponsored Wark started their campaign in the Wade Associates Northern Alliance Premier Division on Saturday with a creditable draw away to Ponteland United.

Ponteland United 2,Wark 2

Although Wark had injuries to key defensive players Peel, Crosby and Robinson, they could count themselves unlucky not to have won the game, as they had the better chances.

Goalkeeper Walton was confident and handled the ball well.

Wark’s powerful back four of Campbell, Hardy, Elliott and the impressive Carter looked a good solid unit and the midfield of Phil Robinson, Jack Wanless, Matt Macloughlin and captain Philly Thompson will be as good as any in the league.

Their quick passing game was a joy to watch.

Up front Lee Telfer gave a typical aggressive performance for Wark.

His off the ball running, hold-up play and his ability to turn and run at the defenders made him a constant thorn to the home side.

Wark should have scored after five minutes when last season’s league top scorer Nixon broke away on the left, but his shot just shaved the far post.

United then responded and Walton had to come out and make a diving save at the forward’s feet.

Thompson, Wanless and Robinson were causing constant problems with their pace, and a strong run by Macloughlin was ended by a good tackle before he could get his shot in.

The classy Elliott hit a free-kick just over the bar and Telfer should have scored with a header from a Nixon corner.

At half-time it stayed 0-0.

The second half was much the same as Telfer twice went close with headers – he needs to take a leaf out of his brother-in-law’s book.

After 65 minutes Wark brought on new signing from Bedlington Terriers Alistair Stobbs for the injured Macloughlin.

Stobbs made an immediate impression when he played a one two with Wanless and hit a screamer into the net to put Wark one up.

With 10 minutes to go the home side levelled with a header from a free-kick.

Two minutes later United took the lead with a terrific shot from the edge of the box after a defensive mix-up.

Wark’s response was rapid.

Good work from Thompson and Robinson put Nixon through.

He ran towards goal, drew the keeper out and rolled the ball into the path of Telfer, who knocked it into the net to level the score.

All in all a very good team performance.