The reserves kicked off their season with a visit to Kesgrave High School to face Kesgrave Kestrels A on the 3G pitch.
The match was tightly contested in the opening stages, with Kesgrave slightly edging possession as our young team found their footing in the game. The opening goal came around the 20th minute and went Saxmundham's way, with Ryan Everington beating the keeper from close range. Kesgrave responded quickly, grabbing an equaliser within minutes when captain Jake Finch missed an interception and let the attacker in for an easy finish.
Saxmundam's second goal came on the 38th minute, Ryan Everington scoring a similar goal to his first to give us a deserved lead. The heat was intense and our manager rotated our large squad well to ensure players were fresh - much to the dismay of the referee which caused a point of contention going into the break.
We switched to a 442 at half time and started strongly, leading to Ryan Everington sealing his hattrick within 5 minutes of the restart. Kesgrave didn't really test us as we dominated the game and quickly recovered the ball when lost. A fourth goal followed around the 65th minute, Everington once again applying the finish.
The game was fractured by several injuries, on-field treatments, substitutes, and drinks breaks, however the players maintained their concentration levels well. Around the 75th minute a foul by debutant Will Murray led to a free kick for Kesgrave, some 30 yards out to the left hand side of the Saxmundham goal. A left-footed in-swinging strike drifted over goalkeeper Bradley Pinnion and nestled in the top corner to make it 4-2.
Kesgrave made a late push to get back into the game and attempted several long shots, some of which came pretty close. Saxmundham did well to see the game out and, in the final minutes, Everington was fouled in the opposition box and the referee awarded a penalty. Everington stepped up and converted the spot kick for his, and Saxmundham's, fifth of the game.
A great opening result and we look forward to welcoming Wenhaston Reserves to Carlton Park next time out.
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