Attendance: c. 150

Team: van der Heyden; Burgess*, Gregory*, Sidwell*, Barr*; Thompson, Timms*, Wickson*, Bahi*; Mort*, Shearsby*

Substitutes*: Agar, Curphey, Green, Scott, Stacey

Goals: Stacey (3), Mort (pen), Sidwell, Timms, Wickson

An easy run out against a spirited Level 11 side, who started to run out of steam after about 30 minutes in the 25ºC heat.

The team seemed to be gelling well for a first competitive match of the season. Wickson looked sharp; Thompson ran the left wing from start to finish; and Bahi could be that bit of quality we've been lacking on the right side.

Of the new players who made an appearance, Curphey and Green seemed composed and unflustered at the back; and Stacey showed why he's been such a success in the Youth league. Van der Heyden, although untested during the whole match, seemed nervous.

There were some good goals amongst the seven. The opener was a classic header from Sidwell, outjumping the defence and burying the ball into the top corner; Timms's effort was one of his trademark bullet headers; and Wickson's was a great piece of skill, and well taken low drive with his left foot from an angle. Stacey's hat-trick was attacking instinct on two occasions, and a good strike.

There were some new names on show (and one that wasn't!). Scott Curphey is at Leeds University; Lee Scott and Neil Stacey we know of from first-team appearances; also Tim Green of the Youth team. Jag Bahi, who played for Southam United would be a great acquisition if he decides to join us. Also listed as amongst substitutes but not there was someone called Brett Healey, (no more information available).

There were a couple of injuries. Jamie Barr landed awkwardly after 13 minutes and turned his ankle. The injury could keep him out for 4 or more weeks, but that all depends on the severity. Jag Bahi was clattered in a 50/50 after ½ hour, but played on until 80 minutes or so. Just a bit of bruising around the ankle, but he should be OK.

The next match is Saturday 20 at the New Windmill against Nuneaton Borough XI. Some players are already listed as not available for selection (holidays etc). These include: Jag Bahi, Jamie Barr, Josh Blake, Richard Morris, Umbi Sidhu and Glenn Webb.