Paul Marshall’s reign at Pickering began with a 1-0 defeat to Dunnington
Paul Marshall’s reign as Pickering Town manager began with a 1-0 defeat at York League Premier Division side Dunnington on Tuesday night.
Jonny Andrew’s second half header was the only goal of a competitive pre-season encounter.
Marshall, who replaced Tony Hackworth at the helm of Pickering in May just two weeks after his exit from Tadcaster, had the bulk of last season’s team out – along with a sprinkling of his own bodies.
The old heads like Ryan Cooper and Wayne Aziz appeared and they were joined by new faces Denny Ingram and Nathan Kamara.
Sam Dobbs, one of Non League’s most liked goalkeepers, held the fort for the first half before passing on the baton to Arran Reid for the final 45 minutes.
Stuart Rice under pressure during Pickering’s 1-0 defeat
Action from Dunnington 1-0 Pickering Town
Popular goalkeeper Sam Dobbs made his first appearance for Pickering
Pickering Town’s new player/assistant manager Denny Ingram barks the orders
Former Glasshoughton defender Alex Low halts Joe Danby’s progress
Experienced NCEL player Nathan Kamara shields the ball
Paul Marshall talks to his Pickering Town players during the interval
Pickering’s higher league status as a Toolstation NCEL Premier Division was evident in the first half as they carved out the better chances.
Lively winger Stuart Rice saw a cute volley fly just over the crossbar, while Joe Danby forced an excellent save out of the Dunnington goalkeeper.
Kamara wasted the best chance on the stroke of half-time with a poor effort from a good position.
Marshall made plenty of changes in the second half – which had few chances.
A goal-less draw seemed inevitable until Andrew rose expertly to head home the winner from a cross from the right-wing.
Pickering Town: Dobbs, Simpson, Lock, Heads, Aziz, Ingram, Rice, Cooper, Kamara, Taylor, Danby. Subs: Reid, Walker, Foster, Robinson, Gibb, Hawkes, Cressey.
The full album of match photos will be available on our Facebook at some point on Wednesday afternoon.
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