Local football club Jesmond Athletic have lost two games in a row and conceded 15 goals in their opening three matches. However, the team’s manager believes last Saturday’s second-half fightback shows they can turn things around this season.

The Newcastle University Intramural second division side lost 5-2 to unbeaten side Axe Wielding Baboons last Saturday (October 17th). This followed a 9-6 defeat to newly promoted AFC Quagmires, leaving Jesmond with just three points out of a possible nine.

The Jesmond club say they lacked training going into the fixture. Club secretary Josh Plunkett told JesmondLocal he had to cancel the side’s usual Thursday training due to low player turnout. An unprepared Jesmond were 3-0 down at half-time, with little rhythm or fluidity, leaving gaps and open space.

Manager Conor Fitzpatrick told JesmondLocal his side were dominated throughout the first half, blaming the lack of preparation and on-field communication. Baboons pressed high and controlled midfield while Jesmond were disjointed.

Communication in general has been a wider problem. Plunkett believes it goes beyond performances. “I think there’s a lack of respect between the players when it comes to responding to messages, especially after the defeat last weekend,” he said.

A shift in momentum followed in the second half. Jack Roper moved into midfield, and Jesmond pushed up the pitch, pressing hard. This evened out momentum, and two goals were scored by both sides: the match finished 5-2. “You’re only as good as your last half”, Fitzpatrick said. He believes his side is ready to pick itself up and move forward.

Plunkett shares this confidence ahead of tomorrow’s (Saturday, October 24th) game against Planning Saint German. “They’re a weaker side, so I feel confident we’ll secure a result,” he said.

Despite this, the goalkeeper troubles remain. Jesmond have not had a permanent number one since first-choice Jack Woodeson departed in the summer. Plunkett said his side needs a keeper and wouldn’t blame the defence for the high volume of conceded goals. The team will be trialling some potential replacements over the coming weeks.

Captain Henry Brook had already highlighted potential issues with the position after the AFC Quagmires defeat. “It wasn’t the best performance from our keeper,” he said. “That’s definitely something we need to improve.”

The disappointing start leaves plenty of points to make up for a side targeting promotion, having finished third last season. A recruitment drive brought in an additional 30 members, yet still no permanent goalkeeper. A former Northern Ireland youth player is expected to strengthen the attack in their upcoming fixtures.

Jesmond’s game against Planning Saint German tomorrow is at Cochrane Park, kicking off at 1pm.

For more info, visit the Jesmond Athletic Instagram page.