Match: Abercarn/Reserves V Crusaders Reserves
Date: 13/08/2007
Venue: Abercarn welfare
Referee: Steve Paskin

The last pre-season fixture for the reserves and it was to prove very hard in getting numbers. With still a few players injured or not 100%, they rested themselves for the opener on Saturday. Also missing were Jonny Jones (marital problems), Liam Davies (Didn't know), Ashley Reid (apparently upset at being 'bombed' to the 3rds), Keown (Holiday). The waste of time players were missing as usual too, Steven 'Chicken Balls' Prosser (Darts), Dane Wit (Salsa).

On a brighter note to the injury list, under 18 Jamie Firth was to have a run out, Louty was back on trial after a season at Castle United, Shirona was to get a full run out up front and Dan Howls was to make his 1st appearance pre-season after an injured groin.

With Borat also injured, manger Dai Thomas didn't want to start him outfield, so Borat played in the sticks on this occasion. Scott Gilchrist also had a run outfield to see how his asthma was in Thomases' 4-4-2 formation.

Crusaders had the best of the opening 15 minutes as Scott Gilchrist headed against the barand Dan Morris was guilty of missing an easy 1 on 1. The Crus back 4 though were all over the place, with no idea how to defend or use the offside trap. After 25 minutes, a very slow Crus defence let Abercarn through on 2 occasions giving Borat little chance and the game had turned. 2-0 to the home side.

With Crus having a squad of 13 for the game, Dai Thomas used rolling subs. After half an hour, Louty and Jamie Firth were brought on and they made an instant impact. Louty was played through and slotted a ball past the keeper for 2-1 and minutes later Loutys strike partner Shirona scored a tap-in to equalise. 2-2 it remained at half time.

With the 2nd half underway, the Crus nearly scored in the 1st couple of minutes after some good play by captain on the day Nicky Thomas. Abercarn cleared the ball downfield and went past Crusaders lumbering defence to make it 3-2 on the counter attack.

In a very yo-yo type game, the Crus equalised again. This time Dan Morris scored after a good through ball by Scott Gilk. 3-3.

Once again the Crus defence showed their inability to defend on the evening. Dan Morgan hacked down Abercarns striker and they scored the resulting penalty. 4-3.

The Crus attack was fortunately much better than the defence and some good link up play saw Louty cross a ball in from the right to be headed home by Dan Morris. 4-4.

It was end to end stuff, with both midfields having little involvement. Both teams made chances, but Abercarn won the game in controversial circumstances. Dan Morris appeared to be elbowed but play resumed and Abercarn were to score on the counter attack once again. 5-4.

A mixed pre-season for Crusaders result wise, but with new faces, there's a lot of potential for this coming season. Competition for places all over the place, including in attack for a change.

Man of the Match: Dan Howls. He lasted an hour on his comeback and done well 'claiming' 2 assists. It was good to see him back in the shirt.

Dummy of the Match: Donkey. Had a nightmare at right back. Beaten to the ball often, adopted Niblos slice, he will struggle to make the squad after this performance.