Treowen Reserves V Crusaders 3rds (Gwent County Reserve League)
Venue: Treowen
Conditions: Good
Attendance: Good

Crusaders opening league fixture in the new Gwent County Reserve League, was a daunting prospect away at last years champions who amassed 160 goals in the process. Despite missing Gregory Botchett, Gregory Hughes and Andrew Whatley, Crusaders still managed to have a squad of 16 to choose from. Reserve keeper Scott Gilk was in the sticks, and fringe reserve players Ashley Reid, Liam Davies and Daniel Morgan all took the field. The other reserve in action was Daniel Morris who started on the bench.

It only took a few minutes for the 1st goal to be scored and surprisingly it comes from the away side. Robert Trigg hit what looked like a harmless ball up field; Treowen’s keeper went to whack it away but missed the ball. As the ball was going in, Owen Beddoe poked it in just to make sure, robbing Trigg of the opening goal. It didn't matter though 1-0 to the away side.

Treowen struck back after 15 minutes under controversial circumstances. Trigg (involved again), shaped himself for a back pass to the keeper. As he done so, he appeared to have his foot taken by the Treowen striker. No foul judged by the referee though and The Treowen striker crossed the ball over to his strike partner. The ball came off this players shin into the wrong corner of the net for the Crus. 1-1.

The game was quite even then, with both sides trying to play a good game of football. When Crus kept it on the floor, some lovely football was played and the Treowen backline suffered with the pace of the Crus attacks. However, half hour gone and Dan Morgan decided to try and play football from the back. He gave Ashley Reid, a hospital pass, and the Treowen striker (ex Crusaders youth player David Stevenson) ran through and made it 2-1.

Crusaders bad luck continued, despite a good 1st half performance. Just before half time, they felt to cope with a corner and a Treowen player smashed the ball over Nicholas Bodman, off the bar and in. 3-1 to Treowen at half time.

Both sides cancelled each other out in the 2nd half. Both teams used 4 subs each (allowed bu the referee) Treowen used their experience and soaked up most of the Crus attacks. Treowen were relying on their nippy striker who was causing problems down the left hand side. He also got Dan Morgan into a yellow card a few minutes before time, resulting into a free kick on the edge of the box. Treowens midfielder rifled the shot in the bottom corner to make the final score 4-1.

Decent 1st outing by the young Crus side and veteran captain Gavin Drobac. With Treowen 1 of the favourites for the league, Crus showed they certainly don't have much to fear.

Man of The Match: Gareth Walker (Got confused by his centre midfield role, but ran his socks off for 90 minutes)

Dummy Of The Match: Wayne Brinkley (Sulked for being on the bench) Dummy of the Match: Wayne Brinkley