Parkfield 3s v Old Challoners

Team: Williams; Beill, Weidner, Bevins R, Lord; Wickenden, Bevins P, Foster, Sharman (Rae 50); Thomas, Fitch

Score: 0:2
Scorers: Thomas, Rae

A real test of the strength in depth of the 2s squad with 8 players unavailable against a big, strong Parkfield side. The home side started better and some poor concentration and arguing threatened to derail Challoners early in the first half. Parkfield were not giving the 2s any time to play but were not providing much of a threat to Jamie William's goal themselves. Last season the 2s may have rolled over in a game like this but this squad has a great fighting spirit and matched a far bigger side physically at every turn. Challoners also had the little bit of class needed to take the lead. Neil Fitch's superb touch released James Sharman down the left who's low cross was met by a stooping Paul Thomas, giving the keeper no chance.

The second half saw Challoners create more chances. Neil Fitch was unlucky to have what seemed a perfectly good goal ruled out for offside. With little to feed off, he and Paul Thomas continued to give the Parkfield defence an uneasy time and it was their combined pressure that led to a defensive mix up. With the opposition goalkeeper stranded in no mans land Ali Rae calmly slid home a thirty yard tap in!

Last season the 2s struggled to hold on to far more comfortable leads than this but there is a greater confidence in this team now. All eleven players worked hard to defend the clean sheet and Parkfield had very few memorable chances. Another win and another clean sheet!

Man of the match: Paul Thomas - worked tirelessly off the ball and a good finish for his second of the season.