7thmar05

Scoring debut for unfit Sigere

A GOAL from debutant Jean-Michel Sigere - signed from Hornchurch - put Gravesend & Northfleet on their way to a fine 4-0 win at home to Scarborough on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

Sigere capped an impressive performance with the opening goal, heading Justin Skinner's pinpoint cross delicately past the visiting goalkeeper Lee Walker.

Fleet found themselves two up three minutes later.  Jay Saunders sent a superb 25-yard drive fizzing into the net after being played in nicely by Paul McCarthy to notch his tenth goal of the season.

Fleet continued to push forward in the second period and were soon three goals in front after James Pinnock sent a side-footed shot past a helpless keeper from 15 yards after 55 minutes.

And Jimmy Jackson wrapped things up 13 minutes from time when he was on hand at the far post to convert Andy Drury's cross.

Liam Daish remains unbeaten as Gravesend manager and his side have now taken seven points from nine in the Nationwide Conference.

He told the Non-League Paper: "It was an all-round performance from us.

"We were strong everywhere.  The higher you go up the leagues, players take things on board quicker, and that's what the players have done for me since I've arrived.

"The big man Sigere isn't fully fit yet, but he will be a real asset for us.

"I haven't seen better wide men in the lower leagues than Andy Drury and Matt Lovell.

"The quality comes through when you do the ugly things well. The way we work for each other allows that to happen.

"I've got some depth in the squad and we've got players like Jimmy Jackson and Ben Surey who can come in, know exactly what we're about and do an excellent job.

"Lee Gledhill loved it today.  He got a crack on his head and spilled some claret.  He loves the mud and the guts.  He loves defending and is good to have about the place."

After hosting Halifax Town in the Conference on Tuesday night, the Fleet travel to Nationwide Conference South outfit Bishop's Stortford with a place in the semi-finals of the FA Trophy at stake.


Gravesend & Northfleet v Halifax Town
Nationwide Conference
Tuesday 8th March 2005
Kick Off 7:45pm
at Stonebridge Road, Northfleet