Last updated 17:37, Thursday, 21 August 2008

WARK came up against last season’s main rivals Murton in their first home game in the Alliance Premier Division.

Wark 1,Murton 0.

Injuries have been a major issue for Wark already and things were made worse when Marc Elliott turned up with a bandage from shoulder to wrist after an accident at work. He is going to be out for about six weeks.

With Elliott out along with Peel, Robinson, Crosby and Carter, Dale Telfer came into the side in a back three with Campbell and Hardy.

Murton started much the better, and went close on a couple of occasions.

Wark were struggling to find any rhythm and strikers Nixon and Telfer were starved of a decent service.

Walton made a good save from a free-kick before the home side started to find their feet.

Prompted by the outstanding Hardy and Campbell, Wark began to make in roads into the Murton defence with Wanless and Thompson’s running putting the away side on the back foot.

After good work by Dale Telfer and Philip Robinson on the right, the ball was worked through to the impressive Stobbs who side-stepped a defender and crashed a low shot into the bottom corner for a fine goal.

After the break Murton should have equalised but the striker crashed his shot against the bar when it was easier to score.

That was Murton’s last real chance as defenders Telfer, Campbell and Hardy’s aggressive manner seemed to curtail their forward movement.

Robinson and the quick footed Macloughlin were now having more success on the flanks and captain Thompson nearly scored with a header after a flying break between Wanless, Nixon and Robinson.

Wark’s forwards were now having more freedom but a poor supply of crosses from both flanks allowed the score to remain 1-0.