LX CLUB v an EAST XI

9th March  2008

This fixture was the last practice session and match for the England Grand Masters Squad before setting off to Sant Cugat near Barcelona for the European Super Vets Tournament.

The game was played over 3 x 25 minute periods, and apart from 10 minutes at the beginning, the LX side were well in control of this game against a competent East side.

With the return of John French to the LX squad, and sharing the front line with Imtiaz Mahmood-Sheikh, Lloyd Wood and Mike Surridge, the forward unit looked lively and was a constant threat to the home side throughout.    They were well supported by the midfield, which worked hard and linked play well, while the defence looked an excellent unit with Mills and Crayford being the pick.  This meant Kimber in goal had very little to do, but on those few occasions he dealt with the situation in a very positive manner.

This was a very worth while game as it gave the squad a chance to put into practice some of the improvements that were found wanting in their last warm-up match against a very strong Richmond side. A far more positive performance, with the side keeping a better shape and over all the linking was better executed, ….. not to mention the excellent finishing!     

The goal scorers were: - Hutchings 3, Wood 2, French 2, Mahmood 1, Perryman 1 and Major 1.

We would like to thank Colchester H.C. for hosting this fixture, and in particular, Terry Howlett for being so involved in all the arrangements

LX Squad;   Colin Kimber (gk), Neil Major, Barry Mills, Peter Crayford, Terry Howlett, Greg Hutchings, Brain Perryman, Norman Ballard, John Maylam (cpt), Imtiaz Mahmood-Sheikh, John French, Mike Surridge, Lloyd Wood, Andy Barnes (coach)
N/A: - Stephen Stowell, Mike Harris and German Singh

Match Report: John Maylam