1 (R-L): Myhill; Lynch, Thelwell, Collins, Dyer; Paynter, Green, Andrews, Atkinson; Burgess, Fagan.
The first half hour was very poor, frightening in fact. Dyer is a quick left back who wanted to get forward but had little opportunity to do so. Can't imagine anyone learnt anything from this. Winterton scored after 10 minutes or so, a free header from a free kick, before Myhill then tipped over a dangerous shot to keep it 1-0. Collins won every other header but looked immobile. The midfield had little impact on anything, rarely making a through pass. Burgess was big around the waist, bigger then the Beast last season. Again, very immobile. Fagan was lively, but had little to work with. We slipped up a gear as half time approached, Fagan hitting a drive over when he really should have scored. Winterton keeper made a great save 1 on 1 with Fagan and Green had a shot deflected. Only Fagan looked like a first teamer.
2 (R-L): Duke; Matthews, Delaney, Turner, Dawson; Brittain, Welsh, Fry, Elliott; Parkin, Duffy.
A much better second half. Vary solid at the back, Duke didn't make a save. Turner won everything and read the game well - nice first impression. Delaney collected from Duke every time and played low hard balls into midfield and strikers, an improvement on his hit and hopers. Brittain was very tricky, always looking for the by-line, good delivery on most occasions. Bearing in mind the opposition, definitely one to see again. Parkin has shed a few pounds, although his kit was small so it wasn't obvious. Very snug shorts! Duffy was as lively as Fagan. We had a massive number of corners, mostly well delivered. Duffy forced a near post save when a pass to Elliott was the better option. Parkin and Elliott climbed well but skied headers. Finally, Delaney knocked a corner down and Turner swept the ball home. Shortly after, Parkin was denied a pen when clearly pulled down, but from the ball back into the box, the keeper spilled and Parkin poked home for 2-1. Duffy clinched it with a low curler from the left. Elliott, Duffy and Parkin forced further saves and we finished well in control and well on top.
Nice exercise, little surprise that the first half side failed to make an impression. Hopefully, we'll mix it up a bit for Friday, maybe give them someone who'll pass forwards. Disappointed with Green in particular, he had a wonderful end to the season, and should have something to prove if he's transfer listed, but didn't look able to make an impression on the game.
For clarity, City's goal scorers: Turner, Parkin, Duffy.