SHIREBROOK WIN FRIENDLY OF THE TOWNS

Mid Season Friendly

SHIREBROOK TOWN RESERVES 2 BILBOROUGH TOWN 1

Att: 38

Just after Christmas I had a message from the Shirebrook Town Reserves Manager Gary Bryant to ask if any Nottinghamshire Senior League club would be prepared to play a mid season friendly, as they are in a Derbyshire County Cup Quarter Final and having not played due to poor weather for 3 weeks needed a run out. Bilborough Town are at present fielding around 8 players who are around the 16 year old age group and rebuilding their side, so more games are making them gel together.

The game kicked off and I stood in the stands with AFC Mansfield Chairman Andy Saunders, as Bilborough came out forcing the first few attacks and after 10 minutes took the lead when a Shirebrook defender took a awkward fall and LIAM TAYLOR fired home. There was concerned as the young defender was laid on the ground and stretcher came on to the pitch, but after the match it was found that the lad had possibly turned his ankle and hopefully nothing too serious.

The home side then began to push forward and on 32 minutes a high swirling corner in the wet and windy weather curled in to the net from JOSH BRENTNALL. Just before half time, Bilborough had a corner that was floated in to the far post, the ball was cleared up to the half way line and BEN CHARLESWORTH beat the visiting defence and slotted the ball past the advancing keeper.

During half time, both sides made several subs and Shirebrook pushed forward and could well have scored a few more if not for Chris Bennett who was in fine form for the visitors.

Overall a very good run out for both young sides who both played some good attractive football on the night.