Mixture of squads.
With a mixture of players from the first team squad and the U21 squad, Crowborough Athletic took on Little Common from Sussex County Football League, Division 2 in their first pre-season friendly on Saturday.
There were supposed to be two matches, with the first teams playing each other and then our U21 squad taking on Little Common Reserves. However, as quite often happens at this time of year, some Little Common players were not available due to holidays, work and other reasons.
The end result though was that the watching spectators were treated to an entertaining and exciting match. Little Common should do well in their respective league based on what was witnessed on Saturday and if they keep the players who turned up for this game, as well as have those back who were not available for this fixture, then they should do well.
As for the Crows, a mixture of our existing players from the end of last season, one or two new faces and a number of the U18 squad from last season, who will make up the U21 squad this season, turned out and put on a great display.
From kick off the Crows were on top and took the game to the visitors and went 1-0 up fairly early on via Wayne Clarke. However, the visitors had their odd chance too but Jason Barton, playing at centre-half during the first half, supported well by Tom Body, Dan Tear and Alec Rich contained those efforts to shots from distance or headers from free kicks or corners.
Callum Ridley and Wayne Clarke were influential for the Crows in midfield and forward positions and were at the heart of all the Crows attacking moves. The Crows made it 2-0 by the half time break from a debut goal from Andy Mcmath and as in most friendlies, substitutes were used at various times during the game to protect potential injuries.
For the second half the Crows played eight U21 squad members, all of whom are still 18 years old, for the whole 45 minutes, as well as an U16 goalkeeper from last season and increased their lead midway through the half to make it 3-0 via Aaron Leadbetter. A fourth goal, again from Aaron Leadbetter came along right on the final whistle and the result was just about right based on the balance of play and chances created.
With key players to return from injury and holiday, the Crows are shaping up well for the new season challenge ahead.
Many thanks to Little Common for making the fixture and playing their part in a good game to watch and which was played in excellent spirit throughout by both sides.