Report by Imy Heer.
The first pre-season game was upon us and we welcomed Southern League outfit Larkhall Athletic F.C to Woodmarsh on a scorching hot day and a decent sized crowd to match. There was a sense of intensity in the warm up which continued on the pitch. It was a lively opening 15 minutes from the Bees with slick passing and high pressing, but no real clear cut chances created by either side. After that Larkhall started to get a foot hold of the game and made it very difficult for the Bees to get any sort of control. A breakthrough came from the visitors after a mix up at the back, even an excellent recovering tackle from Ian Groves couldn't prevent the finish from Griffiths of Larkhall.
HT 0-1
At half time, manager Kieran Baggs, changed his whole outfield team and straight away with the physical presence up top of Ryan Nicholls the Bees were looking more of an attacking threat. The equaliser started from the back when Tom Rooney played a through ball for Dan Fowler to run on to, he beat his man & squared it neatly to the beast Ryan Nicholls who slotted home with ease. The second for the Bees didn't come that long after a lovely bit of play on the edge of the box by Phil Baker who finished with a low drive into the bottom corner to make it 2-1. Even at 2-1 the Bees were looking for a 3rd which then lead to an equaliser for Larkhall the ball broke on the half way line & Jamie Lyinsv mazed past 3 players, even with the best attempts to stop him he managed to get one on one with the keeper & then calmly finished inside Porters near post. The game looked set for a draw until Rhys Fricker left the fullback on the floor & drilled in a low cross for Baker who controlled neatly and then drilled a shot in off the post with his weaker foot to make it 3-2. With the game finished, 3-2 plenty of positives for the Bees & some impressive debuts for the manager to see. Thanks to our match day sponsors Robinson's Fish & Chips for supplying the food for everyone after.
FT 3-2
|
