The Reserves turned in their best performance of the season dominating a goalless draw against 2nd placed Newcastle University. Inspired by captain Alex Martin's pre-match rhetoric, the Reserves started the way they intended with defensive colossus Dave Robinson setting the tone with a meaty first challenge of the game. The Reserves continued to dominate physically and restricted the much-vaunted University side to one long range shot on target and a couple of dangerously whipped in corners during the ninety minutes. Fresher Keeper Rob Scott had his easiest game of the season as he kept his first clean sheet for the Reserves.

Man of the Match Robinson and Martin won every challenge while fresher Rory Monaghan justified his promotion to the side with a rock solid and hard running performance at left back and then left midfield. "A" team stand out Will Phillips a late fill in for car crash victim Matty Laws was outstanding at right back, solid in the challenge, calm in possession and quick to react.

1st teamer Dave Cave on his comeback to full fitness was a class above in the centre of midfield producing one mazy run through a mesmerized home defence only for his pullback to agonizingly miss his onrushing team mates. Mark Rogers probed intelligently and along with Tim Burke-Murphy ran himself into the ground. Another "A" teamer Mike Deeble was equally industrious on the left before making way for the late arriving Peter Curtis.

Up front the speedy Dan Corcoran caused numerous problems with his trickery and determination while David Alexander held the ball up better than he has done anytime this season. Unfortunately they failed to put away the three excellent chances that fell to them Corcoran hitting the post after being played in by Alexander before they both drew good saves from the excellent home keeper when one on one. Phillips almost broke the cross bar with a long range thunderbolt in the first half and three or four times dangerous balls were driven across the six yard box.

The final whistle came with the Reserves delighted with their efforts but disappointed with the result although the point takes them out of the bottom two. If they can show the same passion and passing ability that they have displayed over the past six games, they have to be confident of escaping the relegation trap door.

Thanks to injured and ill players: Matt Laws and legends Paul Miller and Gaz Hopkins for their support.

Team: R.Scott, W.Phillips, R.Monaghan, D.Cave, A.Martin, D.Robinson (MoM), M.Rogers (C.Dawson), T.Burke-Murphy, D.Corcoran 1, D.Alexander, M.Deeble (P.Curtis)