Mall 1-0 St George's Way: Match Report

Kurt Geiger’s second half winner gave Mall a slender advantage over St George’s Way in a bad-tempered Game at Eldon Square.

The striker, signed from Internacionale last summer, coolly finished from ten yards after Swarovski’s gem of a through ball. Despite Burton’s late sending off for a Latte challenge on Starbucks, Mall held on for a vital victory.

It was a typically British afternoon in Newcastle – Superdry at kick-off, the weather shortly turned to Monsoon season as referee Clinton had his Cards out on display. Early bookings for Austin Reed and Waitrose saw the match descend into a Card Factory.

St George’s Way had the first big chance, as Dixy Chicken’s great wing play set up Greggs, who just couldn’t wrap his foot around the high cross. Decked in their new Orange kits, the away side soon hit the post following a dazzling run and chip from the cheeky Nandos.

It took a while for the New Look hosts to get going, with centre backs Holland and Barrett rarely supplementing their teammates with confidence. Midfielder Charles Clinkard missed an open goal on 35 minutes – you’d not want to be in his shoes at half time!

But whatever manager Fenwick said at the break, it transformed his side for the second half. Fraser Hart and Ernest Jones ran rings around the St George’s defence, with their work down the right flank almost leading to yet another Costa goal. The striker – a bargain buy from Poundland – hit a Lush shot with his left foot, met with an acrobatic save from Argos.

In fact, Argos pulled off a catalogue of stops to deny the reinvigorated Mall. It was again Fraser Hart who became the one to watch, as he hit the post following Clinkard’s corner. Topman was Next with a great chance up the other end as his cousin Topshop sat on the opposing bench, forcing a good save from John Lewis.

Then came the breakthrough. Kurt Geiger has often been criticised for being a bad trainer but his return from injury certainly gave Mall a confidence Boost. And it was Geiger who booted home from close-range after Swarovski dribbled past Schuh and through the aisles of Waitrose before finding him in space.

There was still time for late drama, as Burton gave a bizarre clothesline to Starbucks. A straight red card but Mall held on for the win. Boss Fenwick was relieved at full time, saying: “There was Serendipity involved this afternoon. Mall 1-0 St George’s Way – that’s a good sign, in my opinion. It’s a real lift and will elevate us up the league table.” 

They face a daunting trip to Monument Mall on Wednesday night.