The reserves were let off training on tuesday to take the short journey to Stoke Hammond fc, who play in the Leighton sunday league( i think). We were greeted by the smallest changing room in the world ( Shrek and Dave Bartlett couldnt get in together) but a the pitch was lovely, which suited our play down to the ground.
Cloggs was getting bored with playing 4 4 2, so in true tinkerman style changed to a 4 3 3 formation for no apparent reason. But it worked, as trees started the brighter of the sides getting the ball down and finding a lot of space particularly in wide areas.
After a period of almost total domination trees won a corner on the right and a deep cross to the far post found Dean and Dave Bartlett fighting over who was going to open their account for the season. Dean won and nodded home from a tight angle. With our tails up trees went in search for number 2 and were rewarded for persitant attacks as cloggs picked up the ball 25 yards from goal, a decent strike found the top left hand corner.
Stoke (who were no mugs) started to play some good football and put the back four under alot of pressure for the ramainder of the half and got a deserved break when the ball rebounded to their striker 12 yards from goal who lashed in a good finish. nothing Shrek could do about it although shrek did have a very good game in the onions (cheers dude). just before the break Wayne Christie hit a magnificent effort from fully 30 yards only to be denied by the woodwork. half time 2-1 trees.
The second half was less eventful as both sides cancelled each other out and the majority of the half was played in the middle of the park. some notable incidents were Shreks one handed tip over the bar. and a long ball over jez' head (jez couldnt be asked to run for it. so instead called "SHREKS", Shrek was playing centre half at the time and fully 10 yard ahead of jezza).Also Jay refusing to shoot 1 on 1 as the ball sat up for ages in front of him. luckily he was taken down and Iain converted the pen.


GAFFA SAYS

Some interesting things from this game not least an impressive debut from Matt Bamber. and a new formation. Good football played in the 1st half added to by a good battle in the 2nd half shows we will be no pushovers this season.
Next stop OU on wednesday. Then the big Kick Off next saturday away to Homers old crew Woburn Wanderers, a tough start but one I think we are up to.