Derby Asterdale mens 1sts vs Worksop 1sts-Bring on the season!

Derby finished their pre-season campaign with an excellent performance against Worksop, in the blistering Long Eaton sunshine. Although the final score was 4-6 to Worksop the effort, work rate and endeavour shown by Derby players was promising, ahead of the new season.

Derby were weary going in to the game; after losing 5-1 and 7-1 last season to this weeks opponents. However, Derby had new faces in their team: the returning Dave Steadman and debutant goalkeeper Dan (transferred from Beeston) coupled with the availability of Sam Taylor and Matt Hexter, instilled Derby with a new belief and that was present throughout.

The game started with Derby and Worksop trading penetrating attacks and the goalkeepers were tested early on. Keeper Dan rose to the occasion, and gave Captain Karl a real selection headache heading into the season. His kicking and shot stopping was excellent and bodes well for the rest of the season, with the men's section being blessed with goalkeeping talent.

Unfortunately, it was Derby's defending from short corners that let them down, which lead to Worksop's opening goal. Put their lead was short lived with the excellent Dave Steadman, a threat all game (something the team have been lacking for a while). It was his persistence and shot which lead to a scramble in front of goal, the ball finally falling kindly to Martin Foster who tapped home. Although Derby continued to play well, the passes through midfield were not finding the forwards. Even Andy Taylor's words of wisdom from the sideline, weren't enough to inspire Derby. And they went into the break 3-1 down.

But the home side came out fighting in the second half, and with Ging growing into the anchor midfield role he began to dictate the game, spraying balls around the pitch. As the passing become more composed from the home side, they made their possession count with two quick fire goals. Dave Steadman again showing a neat set of skills, to bag himself a brace. The first, firing high past the keeper and the second a cheeky little flick.

The game continued to be stretched, and Derby found themselves 4-3 down. Again the inability to defend short corners was Derby's downfall, but the lead didn't last long. Derby using the counter attack to perfection; with Tom Fitchett taking the ball down the left, he tricked his way into the area and had his shot saved. But the rebound fell to Jamie; who had made a lung busting run to help support and he slotted expertly home, to make it 4-4.

Worksop went on to score two goals in the last ten minutes to finish the game 6-4. But the manner of the performance and the team gelling were excellent signs. This has given Derby the belief that they may be able to challenge at the top of the league, this season.

MOM-Dave Steadman for adding the goals and the hold up play that the side have needed.
DOD- Ging for his frequent tendency to run his mouth and his inability to hold his position and the back.

Dan
Ben Adam Ging Ross
Dave Sam Tom Martin
Ian Dave

Subs: Kyle, Matt, Karl and Jamie