PSF played at Coronation Park 12th July - kick off 8:30pm
The 3G pitch at Eastwood CFC was graced with the likes of Chris Shaw, Deon Meikle, Theo Smith, Jarrod Westcarr, Paulo Piliero and Gary Ricketts as Kimberley MW hosted Long Eaton Utd.
With former Badgers Ian Deakin and Gary Sucharewycz in charge of Kimberley and Long Eaton respectively, this seemed like a bit of an Eastwood Old Boys reunion.
Deon told me he wasn't all that happy with his left-back role at Basford, much preferring a centre-back position offered at Long Eaton - he also mentioned he has been given the skippers armband as well. Great player, a really good signing for United.
The game was very competitive from the off, with Long Eaton having much the better of the chances. The Welfare keeper produced three or four top class saves to thwart the visitors. Just before the break, United went ahead when a corner from the right was nodded back across goal and Theo Smith was on hand to head home with the slightest of touches. The lead lasted all of sixty seconds though - straight from the re-start Welfare were back on level terms, their no. 4 slotting home from close range after a shot had cannoned off the upright straight into his path. H-T 1-1
Kimberley went ahead on 52 when Chris Shaw's cracking free-kick was headed powerfully home at the far stick by Gary Ricketts. A lot of changes were made in the second period by both teams. United must have used 20 players, whilst Welfare weren't far behind.
The scores were level with seven minutes left to play - the United no.14 Kev Hemague, stabbing home from close range, after the Welfare defence failed to clear their lines. After the game I asked Paulo who the 14 shirt was - he didn't know as apparently he had only joined the squad a few hours earlier. F-T 2-2 (information supplied later by LEU).
Great to see good friend Martin Lench back in action for Kimberley - I reckon that the management team of Deakin and Lench could do well in the coming season - may be a few extra trips to the Stag are on the cards!