The Reserves earned a vital and confidence boosting win over fellow strugglers New York. Down to the bare eleven due to two late cryoffs and a no show, the Reserves were indebted to Nick Blogg for coming at short notice to do bench duty.

The Reserves started at a high tempo with the youthful midfield of freshers Monaghan and Heslop working hard on the flanks and central midfield duo of Burke-Murphy and Rogers everywhere. The persistence and determination of the Reserves players forced New York into numerous errors and it was no surprise that both goals came from this. Monaghan forced the right back into a desperate cross-field ball which Paul Menton greatfully pinged over the top of defence for Hopkins to out pace the home defence and cooly round the keeper for his first competitive goal since the 1st game of the season when he scored for the 1sts. From a rare New York corner, Garnett headed clear to New Yorks last defender who dawdled fatally and Mark Brown charged down his clearance then raced past him and played in Hopkins brilliantly who finished superbly, once again rounding the keeper but this time with true aplomb. The Reserves continued to play quality football with Heslop showing genuine class on the right with his confidence on the ball and the quality of his delivery. Burke-Murphy was the inspiration seemingly winning every challenge and distributing the ball intelligently.

At half time, The Reserves knew they had a great chance of chalking their third win of the season but wanted the third goal to really kill the game. Unfortunately despite the Reserves still creating good chances this did not happen and New York improved to come back into the game but with experienced back four of skipper Laws, Robinson, 1st teamer Brown and legend Miller ensured keeper Scott was not really tested. Brown's attitude and performance was outstanding and an example to all players moved down a team. On this evidence, he has kept himself fit during his five week ban and should soon be back in 1st team.

This win puts the Reserves up two places to 4th bottom on goal difference but they are tied on points with Lindisfarne and New York. Three wins from the last five games should ensure survival.

The only negatives on the day were Paul Menton's needless booking for dissent (his lass will not like the £8 fine) and Trigger losing his car keys. All his fans will be pleased to know his girlfriend drove out with replacement ones only to find them by the side of the pitch.

Quote of the day from Bloggy
"Rory reminds me of Rowson, the way he plays". praise indeed!

Author: Pad

Team: R.Scott, M.Laws, P.Miller (N.Blogg), M.Rogers, M.Brown, D.Robinson, N.Heslop, T.Burke-Murphy (MoM), G.Hopkins 2, P.Menton, R.Monaghan