Stroll in the sunshine

United's reserves met swindon today in the hot summer sunshine at Court Place Farm. The game was fairly dire with not a lot of attacking flair from either side, possibly because there were so many kids and triallists playing for both teams although there were a fair few experienced professionals too.

United started with Richard Knight in goal, a back three of Jon Richardson, Robert Lovegrove and Simon King, Joey Beauchamp at right wing back (!), triallist Paul Smith from Burnley at left wing back, a midfield trio of ROS Rob Folland, Matthew Brandish and Jamie Brooks and up front a diddy duo of Adrian Littlejohn, on trial from Plymouth and our old friend Ben Abbey. Adam Garner replaced the injured King in the second half and further substitutions saw Jorden Holder come on for Abbey and Paul Powell replace Brooks.

Triallist James Okoli watched the game from the stands as United have yet to seek international clearance to enable him to play in competitive fixtures, although French triallist Norman Sylla, who does have international clearance, failed to get off the bench.

United actually won the match with a goal late in the second half. An excellent run from Folland split the swindon defence (Neil Ruddock, who had played in the first half, was no longer on the pitch at this time) and he squared the ball neatly across for Powell to tap home. Other than that there was little of note, although Littlejohn, anonymous in the first half, had an excellent second period. Abbey did little to suggest that he has improved since his last spell at the Manor and Smith is unlikely to be a solution to United's weak left side, especially as Powell did well after coming on to play in the wing back position.