Saturday 12th August 2006

RUSTHALL RESERVES (0) 1     REIGATE PRIORY (0) 1

                                                                                                           Balcombe 1

     

Reigate Priory played their 3rd Friendly away to Rusthall Reserves from the Tonbridge Premier League. Rusthall FC who's 1st team play in the Kent County Premier provided another good location for Priorys travelling team. Apart from Mr Comden taking a wrong turn and ended up on a rural kent tour for new signing John Asario , all turned up in time for the warm ups.

Rusthall Reserves finished Runners Up all but for losing 3 pts deduction would have been champions of the Tonbridge Premier, so game a good test.

A bright start by Priory with some early chances going begging. Rusthall , a strong experienced outfit , well orgainised created numerous opportunities , and but for an excellent performance by Lawrence in goal could themselves have taken the lead. After 30 mins Priory made their first changes with Crossley and Asario coming on up front. These speedy youngsters came close with Crossleys left footed strike hitting the post. Morley and Chandler renewing a Central Defence relationship from their youth days looked compact.

As the the game progressed into the second half , Rusthall broke the deadlock. A floated cross to the far post saw their striker head home. After a short period where Priory let theit heads drop , they started to get their game going again. With Balcombe and Crossley up front and Reid starting to get down the flanks Priory started to apply pressure and create goal scoring opportunities. With shots firing in , and Shears , Crossley , Balcombe going close , eventually Priory secured a deserved equalizer when Balcombe pounced in the box to convert from close range.