Reserves 4-0 Grimbsy & Immingham Amateurs

Lincolnshire League

Report by Colin Woodcock

United Reserves opened their Lincolnshire League campaign at York Street on Saturday fielding a very strong side that included no less than ten players having first team experience. Grimsby & Immingham Amateurs had finished a creditable fourth last season, losing only three matches and conceding a meagre twenty eight goals in the process, the lowest total in the league by far.

Amateurs opened playing hard, direct football but the difference in class soon became apparent and in midfield they came up against Steve Appleby who more than matched Amateurs physical challenge in his best game since returning from injury. United opened the scoring after ten minutes when with good play down the left Southwell, Walters and Collingwood combined to set up Leigh TAYLOR with a simple chance at the far post. A second goal soon followed, this time Taylor turning provider as he cushioned a pass into the path of the impressive Jason SEDLAM, who confidently drew the keeper and planted the ball firmly into the bottom corner of the net.

Amateurs responded with a more physical approach but United were never troubled with Paul Casey using his vast experience as sweeper in mopping up any threat such that keeper Nick Maddison did not have a save to make in the first half. Up front the sizeable crowd were treated to a look at new signing Andy Kiwomya on his return from injury. The latter looked short of match fitness but came through unscathed and showed some good touches as well as a blinding turn of pace. Kiwomya was replaced by Danny Dack at the break.

Ten minutes into the second half United finished the game as a contest with two further goals. The first came from Gary WALTERS on fifty five minutes and the second on the hour from SEDLAM, who had an impressive game.

All in all, United were a class above the opposition and if they continue to field such powerful line-ups, must be overwhelming favourites to take the title even at this stage of the season.

United team: 1. Nick Maddison, 2. Paul Casey, 3. Darren Clyde, 4. Ricky Southwell, 5. Jason Sedlam, 6. Mark Melson, 7. Steve Appleby, 8. Gary Walters, 9. Ryan Collingwood, 10. Andy Kiwomya, 11. Leigh Taylor, 12. Andy Markham, 14. Ross Nicholls, 15. Danny Dack.