Red Lion Horninglow Reserves vs Gresley Rovers
Red Lion Reserves 2-7 Gresley Rovers Youth
(Friendly)
Scorers: Smith (2), Worth (2), Woodings, Rudge, Brewin
Squad: Ian Parker, Joe Tomlin, Danny Gee, Dave Hatfield (c), Rich Foster, Chris Smith, Dan Woodings, Paul Morton, Josh Gregory, Luke Taylor, Joe Swift, Sam Worth, Matt Grice, Sean Rudge, Nige Brewin, Jamie Stevens, Tom Fletcher, Matt Gee, Tyler
With a week off from either league or cup fixtures, we were invited to a friendly against Red Lion Reserves. They have had a few small problems, but now with Jonesy in charge we never really knew what to expect. What we did know was they showed enormous character last time we played them, coming back from 4-2 to draw 4-4 with just 11 players.
We took a large squad with us, as both Nigel Worth and myself, thought it would be an ideal chance to give some of the lads who rarely start games "their chance to shine" and we even included 2 youngsters into the squad. These players train regularly with us so it was only right that some of our more experienced players sit it out at the start. We were still looking to win the game, but without the pressure of dropping points or being out of the cup.
This policy was no way showing any disrespect to our opponents, it just let lads find their feet without the result having any importance. With this in mind, Nigel and myself decided to leave out no fewer than 6 regular starters, giving Woodings, Rudge, Brewin and Stevens a chance they thoroughly deserved. They'd all come on as subs in the past, but we know how difficult it can sometimes be to get into the game from the bench.
So as the game got underway, I'd left Nige at the helm, as I volunteered to ref (saving both teams money). We started off the brighter, and looked quite lively considering all the changes we'd made, and were soon 1-0 up. This came via a neat lob from Brewin, who fooled the keeper leaving him helpless, but understandably so because I thought it had gone over the bar too.
Woodings was making good chances up front, he was determined and lively, with Rudge playing alongside also battling strongly. It was Woodings who put us 2-0 up (at just 16 he's learning fast and I'm sure will be a great asset for us).It wasn't as one sided as it seems though, because Parker pulled off two great saves, which credit to Red Lion were quality strikes.
Lion did pull one back though, when an outstretched Parker did well to save, but their striker reacted first and scored. Some of our football was of a standard, that we've come to expect, and it is so pleasing to see. We played the ball around with tempo, and from such a move we released Swift down the left, who crossed first time and worth was there to make it 3-1. Rudge added another from a quality free kick from the sideline some way out, his accuracy was first class.
Just before half time we made a couple of chances, and went in 4-1 up.
Second half we'd again made a couple of changes, and went about our business with the same desire and endevour. Smith got a goal, before Lion scored another to make it 5-2,we then went another goal up from Worth.
Morton hit the post, and the rebound fell nicely to Smith to add his second and make it 7-2. Lion by this time had very few answers, but to their credit, they only had the bare 11 so obviously fatigue played a part.
Taylor was unlucky, when from some way out he hit a low shot which just went wide of the post. Gregory was also unlucky, when through on goal and as Lion tired he stopped, thinking he heard my whistle.
With 20 minutes left, Nige introduced Matt Gee and Tyler (both 15 years old), Nige and me had agreed this before the start because we wanted to integrate them into the squad (whatever the score). They both settled in well, and showed promise, and certainly neither was fazed by the challenge.
So today the result wasn't that important, although we do approach every game with winning in mind (don't always work I know). Today was more about the progression in players, and it did prove we have strength in depth, because the lads who came in certainly proved themselves. It has given Nigel and myself quite a headache, because it just makes team selection that little more thoughtful!
This late in our season there's still a lot to play for (a semi-final and 3rd in the league still up for grabs) so the run in will be interesting and tough.
Really glad we took this opportunity to play today (if not the lads had requested training) and game are better I feel. Must mention Lion and their players, as we expect from Red Lion teams, great sports playing football in the right spirit (as I know is as important to Mark from 1st team) as it is from me. Hope Jonesy sticks at it, cos with a few additions, they'll be a hard team to beat and we already know that from our league encounters with them.
