Our second game was against another newly formed side – Armley Rangers who have been put into the Division above us (Division one) by default, as another team dropped out and Armley filled the spot.
They were a steady side with two or three decent players and a few old heads in the side.
The Gaffa started this game trying out a 352 formation with Scott in nets Smex Neil and Dav at Centre back and Ste McD Anchoring the Midfield, we had Jimmy on the Right Buttons on the left with Kris and Scatch in the middle. Tatts and Andy provided the goal threat.
The new formation relies heavily on the work rate of the wing backs, Jimmy and Buttons did a terrific job and both chipped in with a goal.
Tatts was the first to score, Smex won the ball for Rose and played it into Ste McD who turned and slid a neat through ball for Tatts just inside our half, Tatts went direct past a couple of men and slotted past the keeper to open his account for Yorkshire Rose on his 2nd start.
Armley came back and forced a corner, a good delivery was met by a powerful header by one of their big men, unmarked on the penalty spot.
We then started playing better football and passing it well and slowly started to gain confidence and a bit of composure on the ball.
Our second came from a corner cleared by their defence as far as Jimmy Laugh just inside the 18 yard box, Jimmy connected perfectly and the ball flew into the top of the net, well deserved by Laughey who is having a great start to pre season and is looking sharp.
We continued to dominate and again missed a few one on one’s Kris, Buttons and Andy all had a clear chance to lob the keeper and all failed.
Tatts and Andy could have combined to score a couple more but opted for the awkward angled shot rather than setting up a tap in, we were also caught off side loads and maybe if we’d hang back a bit would have got more joy, but we were getting plenty of chances and playing our football in the Armley half.
The second half came and we made a few changes with Phil, Paul and Ben coming on and doing well.
Our third goal came with Buttons chasing down and tackling their defender turning and slotting past the onrushing keeper, another well deserved goal from a stand out player on the day.
It was great to see everyone looking more confident and the team generally playing the easy ball, we all got more minutes on the pitch and it won’t take much more to get the fitness levels up…
Only 2 more friendlies till the season starts against Milford, the manager is happy with what he has seen so far and is looking for players to stake their claim for their places in the starting 11 for the big kick off away at Kirk Lane Park to the team widely tipped as favourites to win WTFL Division 2 this year.
See you at Training on Thursday Night 6pm at Micklefield Park.
