Darryll Mills

GK

Richard Butler

DEF

Dan Hemmings

DEF

Peter Green

DEF

Paul Judkins

DEF

Paul Dobson

MF

Chris Payne

MF

Steve Montgomery

MF

Ross Hutchings

MF

Andy Payne

F

Dave Judkins

F

Martin Southall

GK

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Another week, another friendly, Saracens were pleased to welcome back AFC Santos to the Meads after a successful friendly last season.

So how did the game look, well to be honest it didn’t look to good 10 mins before KO with a few people missing through injury & work and a couple of no shows left us with 12 players including Martin.

So as you can see above the defence was a bit makeshift but experience was there, we started the game very well, using the ball and knocking it about nicely, AFC had the earlier chances but were kept at bay.

Saracens made the first breakthrough with a goal that was soon to be dissallowed. !!!! Rich delivered a good freekick that was deflected off thedefender across goal which Ross slid in to finish 1-0 or so we thought, but the goal was dissalowed for an offside when the freekick was taken by a player on the other side of the box, So he wasn’t interfering with play, wasn’t the receiver, was no where near the ball, & most importantly wasn’t offside. So why was it disallowed ? who knows, but as it was a friendly we didn’t fancy arguing about it.

Shortly afterwards we got our reward when Monty whipped in a low corner that the defender on the post could only slice into his own net, good fortune but a goal none the less.

Pete then sustained a bad injury to his ankle making a great saving challenge, this ment a reshuffle with Cat going in goal & millsy going centre back, the game continued well for us with good chances as did AFC but were rebuked at each attempt.

A long ball out by Cat found Andy Payne who weaved his magic and played Dave Judkins in to race clear and calmly place his shot beyond the keeper and into the net 2-0.

Half time came, half time went no changes as none to make.

We continued well in the second half making ample chances but couldn’t make them count, more down to some splendid goalkeeping than anything else though.

As the game wore on injuries started to force changes in position to accommodate players, this was not of course ideal, Chris was sent packing by the ref so down to 10 men.

Shortly afterwards Cat had to come off as well, Pete came back to hobble around up front then we lost PJ to an ankle problem.

We held out well until AFC finally got their chance and made it 2-2 the relentless pressure finally told, Saracens just hung on with to many injuries and down in numbers we were pleased to see the end of the game. 2-2 it finished and a good game it was as well.

Manager Martin Southall said “We played superbly for 70mins today but injuries took their toll and the game disappeared quickily after that, I was really pleased with how we played, but really annoyed with the people that let us down today.

All in all a good performance but more injuries to concern us, players adapted very well to new positions which is very encouraging as it gives more options. AFC did well today and again provided a good game.

Wednesday we are due to play Spread Eagle. Well done to everyone here today, everyone was superb. Lets hope for a full squad list on Wednesday.