Football’s True Spirit Shines Through

Football’s True Spirit Shines Through

Swindon Supermarine 0 Swindon Town 4

Pre-season results are quickly forgotten. What lingers are the moments that remind us why football matters!

The annual meeting between Swindon Supermarine and Swindon Town once again drew a superb crowd to the Imagine Cruising Stadium. Volunteers from every corner of the club worked tirelessly to make the occasion a success, followers of both clubs filled the terraces in good spirits, and there was a real sense that football had returned.

The afternoon began brightly enough. Aaron Drinan gave Town an early lead after capitalising on a defensive mix-up, but within moments the football became almost irrelevant.

In the process of the opening Town goal Marine goalkeeper, Luke Purnell, suffered a serious collision and required lengthy treatment on the pitch. As staff from both clubs worked together, silence replaced the earlier excitement.

The concern was shared equally by players, managers, officials, and both sets of supporters. Allegiances disappeared. There was only one hope - that Luke would be safely on his way to recovery. The professionalism of those overseeing Luke’s treatment was laudable.

Following an extended delay, and after discussions between both management teams, the match resumed in a shortened format. Aaron Drinan completed an impressive hat-trick with two well-taken finishes before the interval. The first a penalty and the second an excellent half volley. Ollie Palmer added a fourth after the break to complete a 4-0 victory for the visitors.

For Marine there were encouraging moments despite the scoreline. Young goalkeeper’s Josh Blackwell and Reagan Huckins were thrust unexpectedly into the action and acquitted themselves with both making several confident saves in the remainder of the game.

The hosts also continued to compete honestly throughout against higher-level opposition, while Bobby Wilkinson was able to give valuable minutes to a number of players as preparations for the new campaign continue.

Yet this was never a day that would be remembered for goals or scoreline.

It will instead be remembered for the warmth shown between two neighbouring clubs. Swindon Town’s medical staff immediately joined Marine’s physio team in treating Luke Purnell. Supporters waited patiently throughout the delay without complaint, understanding that some things are infinitely more important than football. The applause as Luke was stretchered from the pitch spoke louder than any chant could.

Football often speaks of community. On this occasion it lived up to the word. Everyone at Swindon Supermarine extends sincere thanks to Swindon Town for their support and professionalism throughout a testing time. Thanks are also due to Premier League referee Simon Hooper and his assistants who were exemplary in their approach.

Most importantly, everyone connected with both clubs wish Luke Purnell a full and speedy recovery after suffering a fractured mastoid. The result will soon fade from memory. The camaraderie, compassion and shared humanity shown by both sets of supporters will not. In difficult circumstances this traditional pre-season opener showed the best side of Swindon football.

Line ups:

SSFC starting XI: Purnell, Tyler, Changa, Case, Partridge, Sonoiki, Walton, Rugman, Annear, Hooper, Hall.
SSFC substitutes: Blackwell, Huckins, Kane, Turl, Mills, Ferguson, Shepherd, Edge, Abubakar, Warre, Cleary, McDonagh, Valere.

STFC first half XI: Ripley, Clark, Trialist A, Negru, Nichols, Snowdon, Trialist B, Drinan, Virtue, Millard, Kirkman. STFC second half XI: Ward, Mabete, Ball, Clarke, Trialist C, Holman, Trialist D, Debayo, Middlemas, Palmer, McGregor.

POSTSCRIPT Monday June 6th - Marine were able to provide a further update. Luke Purnell confirmed he is a bit sore and has some hearing loss which is apparently normal for such an injury. He also highlighted the impact to his day-to-day life should be minimal and he hopes to be back for the start of the season. All will wish Luke all the best.

Pete Crockett

Match Highlight’s from Mike Wray
Match Photo’s from Alex White Photography
Match Photo’s from Marc Roberts Photography