Opening Day Fixture 2010/11

Our opening fixture of the competitive season saw us make the difficult journey to Wembley, for what we knew would be a tough challenge against a team that last season started our end of season wobble.

With a new look side including 4 debutants in Chris Davidson, Aaron Cole-Bolt, Zak Graham and Oliver Skeete, and the absence of old favourites Mark Daniels, Adam Cheadle and Darren Smith the opening exchanges were uninspiring.
Playing without the swagger that was evident in pre season we looked nervous at times, apparently more intent on not losing rather than winning. That said, defensively we looked strong and composed and occasionally when our passing game worked we looked a reasonable team.

As the half drew to a close we seemed to grow in confidence and a couple of half chances albeit missing the target served notice of our attacking ability. Right on half time the deadlock was nearly broken when a well-worked break saw Oliver Skeete round the goalkeeper only to see his effort from a tight angle come back off the post.

The second half started brightly for us. Reece Jackson’s intelligent run and cut back presenting a shooting opportunity for Aaron Cole-Bolt whose well-struck drive was well saved. Moments later Reece Jackson released by a well executed through ball from James White, shot straight at the keeper as he advanced out of his area to deny us. As the momentum swung our way Wembley appeared to resort to spoiling tactics conceding several niggly fouls to stop us in our tracks. Whilst the resultant set plays were well worked no reward was to be had although Zak Graham will no doubt feel he should have done better from a training ground routine that had the home defence completely baffled.

As players tired it looked as if we might have to settle for a point but with ten minutes to go a corner from Cole-Bolt was headed home unchallenged by Skeete and the lead was ours. Our defence remained solid and a couple of confident catches from Daniel Fisher ensured we returned home with an opening day victory and the three points.