Match Report - Bradfield Rovers Reserves v Reserve Team
Published by Shane Exley on September 19, 2011 21:07
The ressies travelled to Bradfield for a K.O. Cup preliminary tie.
With first impressions, it seemed the pitch was in excellent condition, however upon closer inspection, it was found to be hard under foot and very uneven.
The first half started slowly, with both teams working hard to keep control of the ball on the bobbly pitch. Colne began to slower take control, trying to get there short passing game going. However the midfield never really managed to get a total grip and quality balls into the forwards were few and far. On the half hour, keeper Pudney came for a high ball, and on landing turned an ankle. After several minutes treatment, he was able to continue, with the ankle heavily strapped. The first half ended with both back fours having the upper hand.
In the dressing room, stern words were heard from the management, stressing the need to take lower league teams more serious, and for the players, in particularly the midfield to be prepared to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in more.
The second half started much more brightly for Colne, who quickly began to take the upper hand and their first real chance came after 55mins.With Colne’s Bright motionless on the floor with another turned ankle, Pearce shot over when well placed. Bright was unable to continue and youngster Ed Turp replaced him. On the hour, Weir found himself on the end of a through ball and calmly found the bottom corner. Ten minutes later, another defence splitting pass from Weir found Pearce, and he finished well under pressure. Bradfield threw on 3 subs and with fresh legs began to peg the Colne defence back. However, centre backs Cowling and O’Brien, along with full backs Mansfield and Leach were in fine form and restricted Bradfield to long range efforts, which Pudney coped with easily, a few corners, and a rejected penalty appeal.
The final whistle blew and Colne were through to round one.
Pudney, Mansfield, Leach, Cowling, O’Brien, Weir, Stalley, Greenaway, Bragg C ,Pearce, Weir (Turp).
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