Reigning champions St George’s have started the new season as they finished the last one – by picking up silverware!
They lifted the Eric Fletcher Charity Shield on Saturday, defeating FA Cup holders Peel at the Bowl in a penalty shoot-out after the sides drew 2-2.
Tony Duggan twice put the westerners in front but both times the Geordies quickly restored parity through a Chris Feeney free-kick and substitute Stuart Bell-Scott.
St George’s won 5-4 in the shoot-out which went to sudden death.
Both managers were critical of the pitch.
Peel boss Rick Holden said the surface wasn’t acceptable (audio file attached):
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