Friendly Match - Royton Town v Uppermill

Royton Town v Uppermill FC

Match Played 31st July - Royton & Crompton School

This was a run out planned as part of the pre season training programme as pre season training only started 23rd July.

First Half Line Up

Rowbotham, Walton, Royle, Nelson, Cooney, Jackson, Bunn, Greenwood, Longmore, Lawton, Scanlon - Sub Smith

Second Half Line Up

Bagshaw, Whittle, Harrison, Nield, Fitzpatrick, Stewardson, Taylor, Hooks, Gartside, Winterbottom, Smith - Sub Poulter

Uppermill settled quickly into this game and their passing and possession was impressive overall. Uppermill dominated the first 30 mins and took the lead with a well taken goal from Carl Lawton. Impressive play down both sides caused Royton lots of problems and Uppermill went further ahead with an excellent Tommy Bunn strike, following an excellent ball from captain Bobby Greenwood. As expected Uppermill started to tire against their opponents who were in their fourth week of pre season. A misunderstanding at the back saw Uppermill concede an unneccessary corner right on half time. Uppermill had two opportunities to clear their lines and just about cleared it out of the area only for Frazer Hatton to score a wonder strike for Royton.

In an outstanding team display with some excellent performances, debutant Andrew Cooney was very impressive for Uppermill.

Interval - Royton 1 v 2 Uppermill

Uppermill fielded a totally different second half team and played some good stuff once the team shape had settled. A mistake from the Uppermill keeper saw Royton pull level. Royton dominated for 20 minutes and took the lead through a Beckett strike after poor defending from Uppermill. Uppermill then started to play some attractive football and created a few chances, the best bringing out a superb double save by the Royton keeper from Neild. As Uppermill chased the game they conceded a break away goal.

Winterbottom , Gartside & whittle were impressive for Uppermill.

Generally pleased with the run out for the lads and important as part of the overall pre season programme.