Terry Marfitt Trophy 1st Round – Saturday 22nd September 2018
Full-time: Golcar United 1 – 0 Idle FC
Goals: N/A
MOTM: T. Simonett
Idle FC travelled to Huddersfield in the 1st Round of the Terry Marfitt Trophy to face new boys, Golcar United.
This competition is played for by teams in the top three divisions, notably Premiership, Championship and Division 1.
Idle welcomed Carl Dawson back to the fray following his Mexican adventure. The rumour mill proclaimed he was on trial with C.F. Pachuca who were said to be impressed by his goal-scoring record at Linthwaite. However, his goal tally in recent seasons saw the Mexican side put any potential deal on ice.
Actually, it turns out he was just on holiday with his missus…
There was also finally going to be a debut for the enigmatic Jonny Dearing. Some say he’s not quite been the same player since a training ground encounter with Lee Cattermole at Middlesbrough back in 2008 but he’s finally decided to turn-out for Idle!
The pitch was looking very green and in good condition despite the slope from touchline to touchline. there was a healthy looking crowd and even Cornish Pasties in the tea bar!
Idle started well and were having the lion’s share of possession playing some neat football at times and taking the game to the home side. Adam Medley caused numerous problems down the left-wing with the home full back not knowing what day it was as he failed to keep up with the enchanting pace of the Idle winger.
Jack Strudwick was pulling the strings in centre midfield with Dawson sweeping things up in front of the back three who were once again controlled faultlessly by the impeccable Tom Simonett. However, for all of Idle’s possession and despite creating a number of openings they just could not get a clear shot away with the home keeper snuffing out anything near to goal.
Jordan Broadbent was holding things up well up front for Idle and he was doing well to bring his teammates into the game with several neat touches, however, Idle couldn’t that clear chance. The score was locked at 0-0 going into the half-time interval.
The second half continued in much the same vein with Idle dominating the play and possession but could not find a way to goal. Then against the run of play the home side took the lead through Dom Moorhouse although there was a foul on Conor Halligan in the build-up that the referee failed to see. 1-0 Golcar.
Idle threw on Lee Cookson, Jonny Dearing and Ashley Maitland for Luke Gray, Jordan Broadbent and Tom Holmes but they still couldn’t find a route to goal, failing to have a single shot on target in the second half. The full-time whistle arrived and Idle went out of yet another cup at the first hurdle.
A disappointing result and another loss for the second week running. There’s a chance to turn things around next week as Idle return to league action, on the road yet again and this time to top of the table Woodkirk Valley for another testing game.
By Rob Brook
The Playmaker 
Posted on September 24, 2018
0