Downton FC 4 - 2 Meadow Park Athletic
This game was always going to be a progession and preparation test for MPA and the forthcoming season. Downton FC from the Jewson Wessex League were the gratious hosts, bringing an end to their pre-season preparations before their opening league fixture on Saturday.
Before the game there was a buzz around the Park dressing room as the new kit was unvieled for the first time, this coupled with the occassion of playing on the big stage seemed to have an insipiring effect.
Park started with the familiar formation of 3-5-2, looking comfortable and creating the better of the opening exchanges. Individual battles all over the park were being established, and although Downton were on occasions a threat going foward MPA were asking a few questions of their own.
The deadlock was finally broken mid-way through the first half when Downton broke down the right and crossed to find the forwards head, who guided the ball goal wards. Mitchell in the Park goal got down well and managed to pull the ball back, only for the referees assistant to rule the ball had crossed the line. Tee and Batten at the heart of the Park's defence were proforming wonders and rarely looked troubled by the pacey Downton forwards.
Captain Collard was beginning to establish himself as "The General" in the centre of the park, with Blackburn alongside him Park were gradually winning the midfield battle. The two wing back Davis and Rivers both showed glimpses of class as they skipped down the flanks, and it was Davis who very nearly drew Park level before half time. His unstoppable run was concluded with a ferousious shot which narrowly dipped over the bar. Parks two forwards Sutton and Bullet were both lively and their clever runs were starting to create a few openings, and both were unlucky not to find the equaliser before the half time whistle.
The second half saw manager Webber make a couple of experimental changes, with Sharpe coming on, the injured Batten being replaced with Ketley and Sutton making way for Burke. It wasn't long into the second half when a defensive mix up saw Downton double their lead. To Parks credit this seemed to spark the players into action and with Davis filling in the middle of the park and Smith pushed out wide, Davis began to run the show. It was his shimmy and inch perfect 30 yard ball which picked out Blackburn stealing in at the far post to pull a goal back. The Downton players looked unsettled, and it was only a matter of minutes before Blackburn tuned provider, finding the tireless Bullet who's pace and strength took him past the final two defenders. With the keeper coming out Bullet calmly slid the ball past him to draw MPA deservedly level.
Legs were beginning to tire by this stage and Webber was happy to mix things around. Daybell was given a run out up front and numerous possition changes were tried out. Mitchell was becoming an integral part of the game constantly frustrating the Downton forwards with a string of fine saves. Then with ten minutes remaining on the clock, Downton broke on the counter and were able to regain the lead with Mitchell left helpless. MPA were still giving it all they had refusing to give up. The very last kick of the game saw Downton snatch a forth from a deflected shot.
Webber was pleased with the run out for his side and commented after the game: " I was pleased with the attitude of the players tonight, they gave it everything, considering this was out first game this season and we were playing a side at least 6 leagues above us, they have done the club and all associated with it proud." he continued " If we can carry that sort of proformance into our league campaign then there is no reason why we shouldn't win it comfortably."
