Men's 1st Team Vs West Bromwich 2/3

Yardley .v. West Bromwich

The first match of the season is always a bit of an unknown affair. This one proved to be no different. Yardley’s team must have been one of the youngest and least experienced ever to set out on the new season. The team included a couple of lads who, last season, were propping up the Badgers defence, one lad returning to the club after several seasons away. Some players playing in different positions as needs demanded. Some were missing through non-availability. It also contained a player playing in spite of injury, oh and a new captain at the helm!

Facing a more experienced set of players, Yardley set out with positive intentions. Both teams made early probing forays forward, with the visitors creating a good chance. However, Yardley’s youngsters, ably supported by the few remaining stalwarts of the team, were holding their own during these early exchanges and certainly giving the visitors something to think about. Mid-way through the half, Neal kept the team level when he saved what looked like a certain goal. With Neal, Mat and Noah holding the defence, Alex, Kyle, Jeevan, Jordan, Jared and Islam working hard in midfield. Jack and Ethan were finding that life after Badgers is not going to be easy. Up front, Noor went close after a clearance from defence but his shot went just wide. Jeevan was showing no sign of his injury as he gave his usual energetic performance helping out in defence and pushing forward whenever possible.

West Brom’s sustained pressure brought reward right on the stroke of half time when a Neal smothered an initial shot but the ball squirted free to be pushed home.

West Brom had always looked the more likely to score first, but Yardley’s spirited efforts had kept them at bay for long periods during the first half.

An early West Brom attack, early in the second half, led to a fierce shot on goal that struck the crossbar.

The early part of the second period produced chances for both sides, Neal being called into frequent action to save his side, Jeevan had a couple of chances saved too. Later on in the half, West Brom’s greater experience and strength  began to tell and three more goals were scored to give the visitors a comfortable win.

Although it seems like a heavy enough defeat, Yardley’s patched up side produced a spirited display from which they can gain some comfort.