Starting XI
Ash Mawer
Mark Pallister
Josh Bartlett (C)
Dave Whitten
Jack Rhodes-Winsor
Sam Jones
Adam Wisker
Dan Liversidge
Kieran Hufford
Pete Lane
Robbie Freeman

Subsitutions
Pete Lane OFF
Neil Parker ON
Kieran Hufford OFF
Craig Winch ON
Robbie Freeman OFF
Gareth Rees ON

Report

Stevenage Colts Old Boys faced White Hart in their first friendly of the season, with both teams in the CSSFL Division 1 it would prove a fair indication of the level expected of Colts after promotion last season. Manager Hufford was wanting to test a new formation for the up and comming season so the pre season is the perfect place to test this.

White Hart started the game well and called Mawer into a very good early save, a well struck shot from the edge of the area was heading inside the post until Mawer stretched and tipped the ball round the post. A.Wisker back from Uni this season hit a thunderbolt of a shot from the edge of area which beat the keeper and bounced off the underside of the bar. It was White Hart that took the lead though when a throw into the area wasnt cleared, their played managed to convert with the aid of a deflection past Mawer at his near post. Colts had another effort on goal when Freeman beat his man and found Hufford at the back post with a good cross field pass,unfortunately Hufford couldnt get enough on it to force it past the keeper.

The second half looked much better for Colts, seemingly getting to grips with the formation and improving the communication on the pitch this was evident as they started to create a number of chances, Hufford went close where he battled his way through down the right and lashed a shot just wide of the left post. The White Hart keeper was then called into a stunning reflex save after Lane brought the ball down and smashed the ball towards goal, However the keeper blocked and somehow tipped over from 5yds. Rees, Winch and N.Parker were introduced for Lane, Robbie and Hufford With about 10 minutes left, Colts equalised when Neil Parker was put through on goal by Liversidge and managed to squeeze the ball past the on rushing keeping and into the left corner. Parker then put Rees through on goal but the defender managed to catch up with Rees. Colts looked to be like getting a draw which they believed they deserved, but it wasnt to happen as White Hart managed to nick a late goal. O.Wisker was overloaded at the back post which lead to their player rising unchallenged to head past Mawer. A Very close game which possibly no one deserved to win, was a good run out anyway for everyone.