The Reserves put themselves in a very strong position with an excellent 2-0 win over bottom of the table Darsley, in a home game switched to Bullocksteads due to a 1st team game.

The Reserves were delighted to give latest signing Karl Williams his debut delayed by waiting for international clearance, ineligibility for Cup competition and illness. The lively striker lived up to his billing being a constant threat throughout and scoring both goals in the final 20 minutes to give the Reserves the win their domination deserved. Darsley who are resigning form the league were well motivated in their last ever game and competed well throughout with their imposing centre halves in outstanding form.

Despite their commitment Darsley struggled to create any chances and only really looked dangerous from corners where their height advantage caused problems. Fresher keeper Robin Scott only had one real save to make when he acrobatically tipped a header over after the Reserves had for once failed to clear their lines from a corner. This was an important save as the game was still goalless at the time. With makeshift fullbacks Tim Burke-Murphy and Rory Monaghan both putting in rock solid performances and demoted 1st teamer Mark Brown in dominant form, the Reserves defended with full concentration throughout but once again Trigger Robinson was magnificent, Paddy was heard to describe him as the best central defender in the league on the sideline and no one in a Green and Black shirt would disagree.

On a small bumpy pitch against two big centre halves the Reserves struggled to get the ball down and play their normal passing game but as the half progressed Paul Menton became more influential and skipper Gaz Hopkins began finding space on the right. On a number of occasions his power and pace allowed him to get in dangerous crosses but frustratingly they did not receive the finishes that they deserved. Minutes before time playmaker Menton jarred his knee to be replaced by the talented fresher Nico Heslop who immediately made an impact.

The Reserves were even more on top in the second half but it took until the last twenty minutes to make their superiority count. Over elaboration and an unwillingness to shoot plus excellent defending from the Darsley centre halves kept the scores level. With about twenty-five minutes left the disappointed Rich Turner was replaced by Alex Martin who went into the holding role with Heslop switching wide. The change soon proved fruitful, Dave Alexander, who put in another tireless performance, eventfully played in Williams who smashed the ball into the top corner. Williams clinched the win with his second late on, bursting past his marker to the wide right of the goal, but he still managed to slot a pinpoint finish across the keeper inside the far post.

The Reserves have now only conceded one goal (an Trigger own goal) in their last four games and lost only two of the last eleven. With greater maturity and a settled side next season, the Reserves must aim to challenge for the league.

Author: Pad

Team: R.Scott, T.Burke-Murphy (P.Miller), R.Monaghan, M.Rogers, J.Almond , D.Robinson (MoM), P.Menton (N.Heslop), G.Hopkins, K.Williams 2, D.Alexander, R.Turner (A.Martin)