Adders Badgers 2 Olton  Badgers 5

(L.Guild 2)

This day was a memorable day in the history of the Adders as the Badgers side was reborn with 8 new players. Below is the actual report of their first match against an experienced Olton side, from Mike Brooks... enjoy

Dear Mick First outing for 8 new potential members as part of a Badgers team led by Joseph Kobrin against an Olton XI.

I will introduce to you: Luke Wayne (aspiring goalkeeper) but played out today, Courtney Gell, Toby Preston, Sam Riley, Josh Smith, Jon Harvey, Todd Castle, Danny Wilson.

Joseph was ably helped by other senior players notably Mark Wintersgill, Peter Kobrin, Tom Conlon, Luke Guild, Paul Negus, James Meer, Jon Hall, Brent Glover and Danny Osborne gathered to help. Due to my usual careful planning I attempted to start with 12 players. Spotted by the opposition! With that confusion Atherstone were a little slow starting and conceded within 5 minutes.

Once Joseph and Brent began to control the game the new players began to find time and the ball at their feet. They newcomers were slow to respond at the beginning but gradually became more relaxed and were able to play more comfortably as the first half wore on.

Tom Conlon and Luke Guild led from the front and attacking with energy began to wrest control away from Olton. Atherstone equalised through Luke Guild following a run from deep by Paul Negus. Then Atherstone took the lead through Luke Guild from close range following an assist from new boy Toby Preston.

The second half started well for Atherstone and then they fell behind to two goals in three minutes. The first scored with an able assist from Paul Negus who passed it beautifully to their left wing who ran unopposed into the D and slotted neatly past Mark Wintersgill. After that Olton had too much gamecraft for our newcomers and swept to a 5-2 victory. On the face of it a defeat but 8 newcomers in one go and we potentially have another 10 in the wings. The senior players who came and supported our new venture deserve unreserved praise for the constant encouragement and generosity. Thank You!