Selston veteran’s team travelled to Shirebrook for a friendly match for their first game.

With only twelve fit (??) bodies available there were fears that we might get found out somewhat later in the game. However, with a late addition to the squad – Rich – we then had two subs, though one of those was Deene ‘Spanish’ Ball, who has a long standing groin problem (the first time ever the words ‘long’ and ‘groin’ have been used in his case).

The game started in bright sunshine, with the Selston boys reacquainting themselves with each other and wondering if we had oxygen on the sidelines! The early pace was a bit frantic (honest!) with both teams trying to turn each other’s defences (what I mean is a few long balls being banged about!). The pace settled a bit and Selston started to get a hold of the game. The Selston forwards were getting some gains with their movement (I know – Sean Taylor + movement!!), with good work from the midfield in feeding them. One or two half chances came and went before Taylor went clear to finish smartly for 1-0.

Somehow, Shirebrook dragged themselves back into it when a long throw bounced awkwardly to deceive the defence (Scrim and JC : ‘after you – no after you’!!) and the Shirebrook forward tapped into an empty net.

Selston began to work hard again and exert more pressure with some excellent balls being delivered from the right by Olden and Weston. One of these crosses was met by Rich with a firm header which the keeper parried but Rich was on his toes to smash the rebound away for 2-1

HT 2-1 Selston

The second half saw a similar pattern to the first, Selston controlling the most of the play with sporadic bursts of pressure from Shirebrook. Rik Hadfield had replaced Joe Andrews just before the break (after Joe took a late whack from the Shirebrook striker) and the back four looked solid as in the first half. In the meantime, Olden put Taylor clear in the channel and he squared for Weston to tap home, 3-1 Selston.

Gary Black in the Selston net dealt easily with most of what Shirebrook threw at him, including a spell of pressure that saw Selston penned back and having to defend several corners. A lapse in Selston concentration saw Shirebrook break down their left, Rik Hadfield getting back to pressure the wide man but he managed to get a cross in, JC clearing off the line.

Selston began to keep the ball better and pressure Shirebrook, with Weston and Hassall bossing the midfield. Weston was put clear near the halfway line and progressed to slot home whilst Shirebrook stopped claiming offside, the keeper even trying a Barthez to put Craig off, however Weston – the supreme professional (or goal greedy bugger!) ignored the protestations and slotted home for 4-1 Selston.

An all round good performance for a first run out on a really hot day. Selston battled well, there was some great talking and organisation, quality in midfield and up front, altogether, a great start.

My man of the match (cos there’s no one here to stop me) is Big Del, solid as a rock at the back.

Well done boys, let’s take this into the season.