New Manager John Clapshoe sent out a completely new, inexperienced side in today’s friendly against Stansfield OB. Only two of last year’s First team featured in the starting line up as The Shoe gave youth its chance. Stansfield deservedly won the game but the 4 – 1 score line in their favour was in no way a reflection of the game.

This was our first pre season friendly and we came up against a side who were at least a month ahead of us in their preparation and overall we were pleased with our performance. Gifting four silly goals from defensive mistakes left the Shoe “ a bit unhappy” and the chances that we missed didn’t improve his humour but we played controlled football which, on the day, was not as effective as “route one football.” Stansfield had the players to impersonate Wimbledon and their central striker knew the time of day.

Sloppy goals were followed by more sloppy goals but the young boys will learn from their mistakes and we will be much better prepared when the League Season starts on 13th September.

Our goal came via a Sam Kemp penalty when Joe Ivory was upended in the box and then their keeper made two outstanding saves before the crossbar saved them. It looked possible that the ball had bounced down over the line but who cares it was only a friendly. Jamie James, Lee Cornwall and Joe Ivory should have reduced the deficit before the final whistle but the home keeper had an excellent game and got involved in some good banter.

The Bluebloods wish Colin Lush and his side a good campaign and, for sure, they will be difficult to beat.

Man of the Match was a toss up between Joe Walby and Lee Cornwall – Lee edged it.

The Reserves played out a 1-1 draw with HSBC but spurned enough chances to have sent JP mad. Steve Jones converted a penalty which was the only way we were going to score. This was a typical pre season game -- numerous substitutions meant that there was no continuity in either sides play.

The Fours entertained a strong Old Blues side (we extend a warm welcome to Old Blues and hope that they enjoy playing in the SAL) and went down 3 - 0 but Manager Sam Salisbury was happy with his squad's performance.

Next Saturday the First team and the Threes are at HSBC in Beckenham and expect a large crowd to see the Bluebloods in action.