Report

This was our 1st chance to get onto the pitch and play a game after having to call off our 1st 2 pre-season games due to the water logged pitch.

Our Reserve section proved to be a tough nut to crack. They played with grit and determination. Manager Martin Gennings set them up hard to break down in a 4 5 1 system.

The Res could have taken a shock lead in the 12th minute , but PARKER managed to block a shot which then flew off the post to safety.

After that early scare the 1st team took control of possesion and were guilty of some poor finishing. BARKER. A.JOHNSON and ASTERIDGE all had good chances to score before BARKED did poke home from close range. After the goal ASTERIDGE was again guilty of poor finishing on 2 occassions ans A.Johnson failed to connect properly with an empty net in front of him. He looked on as his tame shot was held up in the long grass.

The 1st team made 7 changes at half time and again , although they dominated possesion they failed to get among the goals. This half saw LONGLAND round the keeper and then blaze over from 8 yards.

COLLYMORE got a 2nd before the Res section grew more confident and started to push forward more.

They earned a morale boosting draw by scoring two late goals. Although it must be said that question marks were asked after about the quality of defending and goalkeeping to allow 2 soft goals.