Men's 2nd XI Vs Droitwich Spa 1

After a bye in their first fixture of the season, the men's 2nds got their season under way hosting Droitwich Spa 1sts. Missing captain Tom Williams and vice captain Jon Cook through injury and featuring some new players (league debuts for summer signing Owen Shave and Sahib Dhanjal coming up from the 3rds) and returning players (Jordan Keeble from uni) the 2s had some fresh blood in amongst the same core of the side that won their league last year. 

The opening exchanges were tight as Telford tried to find their footing in the game. Limiting Droitwich to minimal chances, as Telford grew into it, the first goal came from debutant Owen. Matt Denver ventured forward from the back before playing a ball into the D, following a richochet the ball bobbled to Owen on the baseline who lobbed the keeper on the half volley - a beautiful goal to open the scoring. The next goal came soon after, with Gareth Hawkins showing good skill on the ball before setting up Ollie Brannen, whose ball across the face of goal was turned into his own goal by a Droitwich defender but Ollie taking the plaudits. Telford were now hitting their stride and made it 3 as half time loomed with a well worked goal ending with Ollie grabbing his 2nd between the keeper's legs having been set up by Sean Huffer.

At half time, the message from the captain / vice captain management / cheerleader double act from the dugout was to look to exploit the spaces and play with confidence, focusing on the positives that Telford were showing deeper into the half. The message seemed to land as within a minute of the restart Ollie Brannen rounded off his hat trick with another close range finish after lovely build up play. By this point the game was all Telford with Tom Jones getting in on the act with a well struck finish from the edge of the D having been set up by the lively Matt Hadley-Moore. The scoring was rounded off with a rare goal from Tom Bullock who, following two good saves from the Droitwich keeper, finished on the stretch from close range.

Jordan Keeble took home the man of the match trophy with a solid defensive display, with the votes well spread amongst an impressive team performance. Telford next week travel for their first away game at Hampton in Arden looking to continue this good performance.