Barnston AFC  2 vs Shenfield FC 2

Laurence Keey's awesome Shenfield side dominated proceedings from the start delivering a hammering blow to Barnston's preparations. Some poor play and missed chances resulted in a disappointing start. However Barnston managed to break through with a dazzling finish to seal a 2-2 draw.

Barnston started off very slowly, had three or four chance from corners and long shots but didn't make them count. Shenfield walked onto the pitch confidently and played the better football from the start. They seized control of midfield and scored the first goal after only ten minutes. But luck was on Barnston's side and a corner was awarded which was crossed back post and with a fine header from Matt Smith the score was levelled. But Barnston slipped and were caught off guard and fell behind after Shenfield scored their  second goal.

The second half was even more fast paced and it was with only 15 minutes left that Barnston really begin to pressurise Shenfield. The home team managed to break through the Shenfield defence and with a nice one-two, Lloyd Gooday shot the ball home to level the score.

Barnston continued to play to an inspiring standard but sadly to no avail and the score was set at two all. Barnston manager Michael Canning admitted after the game, “We were not expecting that today. They are a hungry and sharp side and we defended very poorly. It may well be a case of a too relaxed start and the team bought out too little too late. I find it hard to take any positives out of the game from our perspective. That said, the lads have responded well so far and we are still only at the start of our season. We have a few more challenging games to come but I see this as only a blip in our preparations.”

Team: Iain Paxton, Dean Chapman, David Canning, Joshua Attwell, Paul Day, Matthew             Smith, Tony Hardy, Carl Powell, Neil Rivett, Ozan Tek, Lloyd Gooday.

Subs: Gareth Heard, Chris Dixon, Jake Rayner, Ben Turner

Goals: Matthew Smith, Lloyd Gooday