Friendly 21-08-09Mutford Utd- 0
Pot Black F.C- 4
It has been three seasons since these two sides met in a pre-season friendly, but there had been some notable changes since there last outing, with the home sides, still youthful side appearing bigger and stronger all round.
The Pot Black squad was a little sparse in comparison to their previous friendly versus Crusaders although the lack of substitutions meant for a more fluent performance.
Kev Sherwood was a rather lonely figure in the visiting goal as he only had one first half save to make as the back line of Sterry, Laws, Boyd's Gary & Darren kept things under control, leaving the fit again Adam Tantony to pull the strings.
Despite the flowing one touch football, and creation of some clear goal scoring opportunities, the squad seemed disillusioned and generally dis-heartened by not taking the lead. But manager Danny McKinley did not share this feeling and stated ".... get one and the flood gates will open."
Changes were made continuously as an impressive Mark Lansdale looked comfortable at centre half, and Simon Hall showed his manager he's still got plenty left in the tank despite his veteran status.
But it was Adam Bird who stole the opening plaudits after all his first half battering of the opposition back four paid dividends as he finally found the net most surprisingly with his weaker left foot.
As predicted Mutfords young stars were left looking for answers they could not find as holes appeared that L'Orange were happy to exploit as a whipped Gary Boyd cross saw Rob Ster-hinio cleverly dummy for Simon Hall to turn and smash the ball into the bottom corner.
Simon Hall was not finished yet as he picked up on a poor goal kick, as the keeper could only palm his first effort into the ball into the air for Hally to finish with a fine header to top an excellent solo goal.
Captain Darren Boyd went AWOL as he went in search of his first P.B goal as he raced the length of the pitch cleverly beating the off side trap and out witting two Mutford defenders only see his effort go agonisingly wide.
The scoring was complete when a quick Tantony Free kick was met bravely by the head of Darren Laws which dropped perfectly for Adam Bird to head home.
To put the performance in to words, the work rate and commitment was first rate, the organisation, focus and attitude was professional and exactly what was required, and when you consider that Scotty 'Too Hotty' Reynolds (who already looked like he had trench foot) got cramp in both legs and struggled to get off the pitch at the end, it shows me that you gave everything. Well Done lads I am extremely pleased.
