Sunday League Seniors - Premier Division

Warstones kicked off their first friendly against the Village Inn. Victory was on the agenda for both sides as both sets of players were fully aware only the winning side could hold their heads high in the pub after the game. Warstones had an extremely depleted side and had to play 70 minutes with ten men. The game began with the Village Inn rattling into the 50/50 challenges and thus making it quite clear to their opponents that this was no friendly. The ball retention and passing from Warstones was good to see but there was no outball for the home side. The extra man for the opposition was proving crucial and the Village Inn were having plenty of time on the ball. Warstones created 2 decent chances within the first half – a flowing move resulted in Timmins providing the through ball to Russon who fired wide. A bursting run from new signing Liam Bood saw the young lad out-muscle his opponent but his shot just went past the post. The first half passed by with the Village Inn creating numerous chances but the Warstones goal lived a charmed life with some great last ditch challenges from Pemberton and Devey and a couple of top notch saves from Aston. The second half begun with Warstones starting to get more of a foothold in the game and in the 55th minute a great cross on the run from Guji found Jamma at the back post who half-volleyed the ball home to put Warstones 1 up. The Village Inn were not to be outdone and 10 minutes later they equalised with a close range tap in. In the 70th minute Warstones eleventh man turned up. Within 5 minutes of being on the pitch Robbie Forrest burst past Carter who was the last man and hauled down the striker in the penalty area. The referee had an easy decision to make and pointed to the penalty spot. Greedy nonchantly dispatched the spotkick and Warstones were now leading 2-1. With 10 minutes to go Mark Holdcroft made a cameo appearance for Warstones. The final whistle went and Warstones showed great character and fitness levels to help grind out a 2-1 victory. The bragging rights were with Warstones yet again - we will look forward to this pre-season ritual fixture between these 2 teams come the start of next season.