2/8/2003 Bridon Ropes 3 - D.A.F.C. 1
In temperatures more suited to the Mediterranean, Drummond kicked off their pre-season campaign with a tough game against Kent County League side Bridon Ropes. Bridon, playing their fourth friendly of the pre-season, started the game brightly and took the game to Drummond right from the off. Their positive play reaped reward after four minutes when they took the lead from a corner, their player rising unchallenged to head the ball firmly into the net. Despite the dominance of Bridon, Drummond kept the score at 1-0, helped in no small way by fine saves from Kevin Neville - making a surprise return between the sticks. Drummond's resilience was rewarded after 40 minutes when Paul Braddick hit an unstoppable shot which seemed to mesmerise the Bridon Keeper, either that or he'd taken a bung! All I know is his guide dog shouldn't have chased after that cat! The goal seemed to rattle Bridon and Drummond had a good opportunity to add the tally before half time.
Gaffer Neville made a number of changes at half time and the second half started brightly. Good tight interplay in midfield led to a clear chance for the skipper, Steve Simpson, but a last ditch defensive tackle saved the day. Bridon immediately counter attacked and following some less than satisfactory defending they hit a second as the unmarked striker at the far post hit an unstoppable volley from six yards. The rest of the half continued to be hard fought as the weather took it's toll on both sides, passes went astray, runs went unchecked and players went unmarked. both teams had chances to add to their scores but it was left to Bridon to set the seal on the game when in the final minute a player was left unmarked at the far post to head the ball into the net, giving the keeper no chance.
Speaking after the game the Gaffer was upbeat. "They were a good side. Given the fact that they were far more advanced in their preparations we did well to give them a good game. This is the type of team we'll be meeting each week in the Premier and we'll need to raise our game."
Team (from): K Neville, J walker, D Braddick, L Mills, N Mulford, S Simpson, D Graham, P Braddick, R Anderson, S Hunt, J Pullen, M Griggs, T Arthurs, T Northover, Alex, M Jenkins, P Neville
Attendance: 40