Lads unlucky to lose against Casuals

We continued our pre season with a friendly at Chalky Lane against Ryman One side Corinthian Casuals, the away team fielded a full strength team only missing their right back. We had to make 3 changes an hour before kick off due to Sam Hewitt & Jimmy Hearne being stuck at work and Jake Hill was not fit to play due to an ankle injury.

The game was played at a very high tempo as casuals took the game to us, very impressive down their left side, and quick through the middle.

As the half went on we finally managed to get the ball down and play, good link up play from Lee Davison, Lee Matthews & Ryan Hughes in the middle, getting the ball at every opportunity.

But we went behind around the half hour mark when a flowing Casuals move was crossed and finished superbly.

Mark Daniels in goal was the busier of the 2 keepers and was involved in plently of the game.

Bas Morrally, Ade Oketoki & Ahmed Hussain always causing threats with good runs and movement.

Half Time 0-1

Casuals made 7 changes at half time and it showed in the 2nd half, they were alot sharper and fitter than we were but the boys battled on.

We were awarded a penalty on the hour, Ade Oketoki stepped up to take it but the Casuals keeper didnt move and Ade's penalty was saved straight down the middle.

More Chessy pressure but with no end product, Ryan Hughes hit the bar from an Ahmed Hussain corner.

As the game grew older we got tired and a bit sloppy, changes had to be made due to injuries, trialist Christain was replaced by Andy Heath. Charlie Renton was replaced by Kalid Alzubaidi.

Casuals fitness really showed now with fresh legs on the pitch, 3 quick goals in the space of 10 minutes.

Lee Davison replaced by Kevin Bourne.

A good test and good fitness for the lads, we tried to give all 11 players 90 minutes but some late changes were forced.

MOM - Lewis Draper