The weekend kicked off with the 1st team at home to Shottermill and Haslemere whilst the Devs took the short trip to AFC West End Reserves.

The 1st started slowly against a tough opposition and for the opening 20 minutes the game was evenly matched. It was Skipper Jack Futerill that finally broke the deadlock, cheekily re-diverting Joe Lynch’s goal bound effort to leave the opposition goalkeeper with no chance from close range. Reece Gargan then doubled the home sides lead, Dan McNab with an excellent midfield run onto a through ball before a half volley pin point cross which Gargan converted with aplomb. Joe Lynch then had the chance to make it 3-0 following a foul on Jake Streeter with a penalty the result. Unfortunately a solid save from the ‘keeper kept the visitors within sight at the break. Half Time 2-0 Manorcroft.
The 2nd half would see the home side in control for the opening 15 minutes before half time substitute Josh Richards was sent off, having made a foul he reacted to the rather heavy handed response to his initial challenge, it could be argued that several of the opposition who then got involved could and maybe should have seen some form of action from the referee. The home side defended excellently for the majority of the remaining 30 minutes, a well worked goal from the visitors after good play to expose the extra space meant with 20 to go it was a nervy finish. That said with 10 men Manorcroft still created as many if not more chances to put the game beyond doubt although the visitors did hit the bar late on and will probably feel that was their chance to get something out of a game they never looked like getting anything from until the red card.

The Devs put in an excellent performance away at West End, with a number of Youth team players in the squad it is fantastic to see all three senior sides working well for the club. 2 goals for Kalim Hussain on his Manorcroft debut whilst Macka Bermingham scored a worldy free kick before his excellent shot from the edge of the box was re-diverted by Jack Quelch who has put claim to the goal!! There were also excellent performances from Matt Hazell and great to see James Payne back in action after a hamstring injury. A solid performance where many more chances were spurned to have made the scoreline even better.

A huge well done to all the players, we look forward to the Juniors in action on Sunday and the Youth team make the short journey to Ashford Town on Monday night, Kick Off 7:45pm, your support is welcome.

#COYL🍋