Pre-season friendly
Burnham Ramblers 5 Heybridge Swifts Reserves 2

Swifts' reserves continued their build-up to the new season, gving 21 players a run out at against a strong Burnham first team squad, Swifts ending the match with virtually a full under-18 side on the park.

And all the youngsters acquited themselves well, despite the inevitable problems as players came and went, manager Wayne Bond trying to give players as much game time as possible.

Jamie Bowyer in the Swifts' goal produced a good early save as the visitors took time to settle at Burnham, but gradullay Adam Passfield and Luke Fisher took control of the midfield exchanges and began to exert an influence.

A left-footed scorcher from Passfield rattled a Burnham post, and then Craig Hudgel grazed the bar with a long-range effort after an excellent tackle from Fisher set him free.

Swifts grew impatient though and tried to force the game, overplaying the ball at times when their natural passing style looked to be the answer to unlock the Burnham rearguard.

Burnham took the lead from the penalty spot early in the second half after Bowyer brought down an opposing player. He then needed a fine low save to prevent a second as Swifts lost some momentum following the start of ten substitutions.

Swifts equalised though through Rob Gardam, on hand to net from close range after Sam Wakefield's shot had been palmed away following his powerful run having been set on his way after composed work at the back from Nathan Smith, gradually finding his feet at this level, and Ben Hull.

Burnham stepped on the gas though and went into a 4-1 lead before Wakefield's left-footed strike from 20 yards soared into the corner of the net to reduce the arrears - but the home side scored again just before the end.

It was a good workout for Swifts, whose first-choice side did more than hold their own, while the young stars of the future all gave a good account of themselves, trying to play the right way.

11:57am Thursday 24th July 2008

Print   Email this