Good Workout

AFC Manager Jamie Godbold and his Assistant Andy Reynolds were able to give eighteen players a run out in the first pre-season game at the start of the 2015/16 season.

There were a few triallists amongst the eighteen and no doubt they will be given another chance to show what they can do in the other forthcoming games.

The first half was a goalless affair but AFC showed that they will continue with their passing style of football. Luke Callander had a couple of efforts early on before ex-AFC man Michael Brothers, now a player coach at Brantham did well to deny Ben Robinson. Charlie Gilbert was showing up well as an attacker on his debut as did James Axcell who shot wide following a short corner.

AFC experienced players, Craig Parker, Luke Callander and Ben Robinson combined well, the latter having his shot well saved by ex-AFC goalkeeper Ryan Bedingfield. The visitors thought they had taken the lead when Axcell had the ball in the net but was ruled offside, this after Parker's shot had been saved.

Just before the interval Bedingfield did well to to tip over from another AFC new boy Jack Newman.

Half Time;- Brantham Athletic 0 AFC Sudbury 0

There were seven changes at the break with only goalkeeper Luis Tibbles, Stefano Mallardo, Ryan Henshaw and Charlie Gilbert staying on. AFC Club Captain Sam Clarke came on alongside Ollie Berquez in midfield, while two newcomers also took the field.

On sixty-one minutes AFC took the lead after a good passing movement and the scorer was defender Stefano Mallardo who shot home.

The lead lasted twelve minutes before the home side levelled from the penalty spot. Kyran Clements was the guilty player as he tackled Ollie Mann some what needlessly and rashly in the penalty area, the referee having no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Mann took the kick giving Tibbles no chance.

Henshaw attacking saw a shot go wide before with five minutes to go Gilbert struck the Brantham goalpost with the keeper beaten but the ball rolled clear.

With three minutes left Josh Deacon scored the winner for Brantham turning his defender in the box and shooting home, it wasa repeat on a chance a minute previous that had been saved.

So a defeat, but there was certainly grounds for optimism for AFC supporters as they saw a side full of young players augmented by some experienced men put on a solid enough performance in the first ninety minutes of the season.

Team; - First half, Luis Tibbles, Ben Robinson, Stefano Mallardo, Jack Newman, Ryan Henshaw, Craig Parker, Ollie Canfer, Charlie Gilbert, Luke Calllander, Jordan Blackwell, James Axcell.

Team; - Second half, Lewis Tibbles, Alfie Carroll, Kyran Clements, Ryan Henshaw, Stefano Mallardo, Sam Clarke, Ollie Berquez, Wayne Blackman, Sam Hollocks, Charlie Gilbert, Romario Dunne.

Att 102

YNOT