Shots Derby Friendly A Breeze

It was the first team's turn to take to the field tonight in the hastily arranged friendly at Cherrywood Road against British Gas Business (BGB) League South & Western Division's Farnborough. The Shots started the game with Bull in goal - his first appearance this season - behind a back four of Smith, Day, von - Winfield and Charles. The midfield was Soares, Chalmers, Harding and Gregory behind the two strikers Elvins and Grant - who was returning after his operation two weeks ago.

The Strays special correspondent was impressed by the overall performance of the team and a debut goal from Elvins on 28 minutes was inevitable given the pressure the strong Shots steam put on Farnborough. A headed goal from Anthony Charles following a Soares free kick just before half time didn't flatter the Shots as they went into the break 2-0 up.

A flurry of substitutions in the second half saw Mikel-Ruiz, Hudson, Starkey, Hilton, Gier, Dixon, Davis and Milletti replace Bull, Soares, Charles, Elvins, Smith, Grant, Chambers and Chalmers respectively.

Three goals in quick succession from Ben Harding, Danny Hylton and Johnny Dixon put the Shots 5-0 up with fifteen minutes to go.

Although the Shots totally dominated the game, with the Farnborough keeper being nominated Man Of The Match, it was a useful run out for the seniors and a couple or three of the better triallists - reinforcing how disappointing it is that they will not be able to test themselves against League opposition on Saturday due to the cancellation of the Millwall game.

Farnborough FC should be thanked for the fact that the game took place at all - this game was only arranged after the Maidenhead ground was flooded last weekend.


From our on the spot reporter