WHITES' INJURY CRISIS IS CAUSE FOR CONCERN

The weather was 30C. The pitch was bone dry yet the conditions were the same for both teams. There was however one major difference.

The Whites had nine first teamers unavailable either through injury (7) or unavailability (2).

This is not an excuse for losing to a side made up mainly of Under- 21s. It is a valid reason.

Pre-season is all about building fitness and developing a squad ready for the big kick off on August 16th.

There is still time for the troops to recover.

Let's hope so because yesterday the squad was so threadbare that The Gaffer and Big Sam came on in the second half.Nathan Burrows, the reserve goalie, very nearly got a run out......and not in goal!

It's a scenario that should not be repeated when the season starts.

One thing I immediately noticed about the Gaffer's style of play was this. Every time he received the ball, he passed it to feet.

It's a very simple football philosophy which tends to work 80% of the time.

The beautiful game should be kept simple. Pass, retain possession and build up.

Yesterday, the Gaffer aimed to put this theory into practice and even though his team didn't go on to win the game, perhaps they learned something from two old hands (three including Brendan), that keeping the game simple is the key to success.

As for the actual match? There were chances galore for both teams. The visitors took three of theirs, the Whites took two thanks to Lewis and Bruno.

This was the type of game that is best played pre-season. I would call it a 'get it out of your system game'.

In other words, learn from it and don't repeat it.

Any positives? Yes. Michael Jacklin is a footballing warrior with a footballing brain. Positive.

Callum Ward is versatile, a non-stop runner and committed to the cause. Positive.

There were no league points at stake. Positive.

Next up Lincoln Moorlands Away Wednesday July 30 kick off 7.45.

Peter Hayward