Old Dons reserves were back in action after there christmas break against the form team of the division, Queens Rangers. Queen have been in startling form of late scoring goals galore and battering teams from all over the league. Manager Mark Stanhope had some big selection decisions to make but he kept faith in the players that have taken the Dons to the top of the table, he also had the luxury of first teamer Andy Slaughter who has been dropped into the reserves team to get some more game time.
Old Dons changed there formation for the first time this season, largely due to the Queens front man Jimmy Britton who has managed to score 17 goals in his last 6 matches, the successful 4-4-2 formation was replaced by a good looking 3-5-2 formation. The onus was put on Jamie and Nick as wing backs to get up and down during the match.
Old Dons started off the sharper and more livelier team, controlling the opening stages and the new formation seemed to suit the Dons, on 10 minutes the Dons broke and a square ball by Giles found Whyte in space and his first time effort was brilliantly saved by the Queens goalkeeper, from the resulting corner, Giles lovely cross was headed in by the impressive Gary Thomas who notched his first of the season. That goal meant that everybody in the Dons squad has now scored for the season except for the experience duo, Nick Wing and Captain Appy. Goals are certainly being shared out in the Dons squad. Queen started to come back into the game and a croos from the left was met with a perfect header to make it 1 - 1, minutes later the same 2 combined to score again to make the score 2 -1 at half time.
The Dons started the second half off brightly without really creating a chance, a couple of dubious offsides didn't help there cause. Andy Barnett had to be on his toes to tip a shot over the bar to keep the score the same but minutes later Queen added a third The game seemed to be getting away from the Dons now but still they kept on battling and giving %100 all over the pitch. The final scoreline of 3 -1 to the queen was probably the right result.
Marks decision to go 3-5-2 seemed to work but even mr fitness Nick Wing pulled up with cramp in the last few minutes, both wing backs Nick and Jamie ran there socks off in the new formation and were both ready for a drink at the end of the game.
There was alot of talk in the build up to the game as to who would replace Captain Carl Appleyard in the team after the captain was at the centre of a racial storm during the previous game with Pointon 'A'. however on Tuesday the F.A released a statement in a 115 page document clearing the Dons Reserves Skipper of any wrong doing.
Captain Appy released a statement shortly after thanking his team mates for their continued support during this stressful time in his career. Captain Appy has made some new year resolutions and if his performance against Queens Rangers was anything to go by then the Old Dons Reserves will expect to be challenging for the title at the end of the season.
The Old Dons will be looking to build on this performancee next week when they entertain Spilsby Town Reserves but 3 points will be all that the Dons want
