Jeffery at the Double!

By: Martin Copass
Date: 16/01/2002

ON A COLD afternoon, the few die-hard regulars turned up to watch Town reserves take on Doncaster and witness Bradley Allen’s first game for some time.

Bradley Allen appeared for his first game for some time, and also include were first team players Raven, Smith and Jeffery. With Thompson and Ford now on first team duty, chances were given to other players including someone called Paul Crager, who I confess to knowing nothing about as yet.

It was an uninspiring first half, with Doncaster coming the closest to scoring on two occasions in the early stages. Towns first real attempt wasn't until the 37th minute, and this a shot from Bolder which went well over the bar. A minute late, the Doncaster keeper saved a well-taken free kick. These were Towns only real efforts on goal and yet again the opposition keeper seemed to have little to do. With the first half seemingly drawing to a quite close, it suddenly livened up as two players got their marching orders.

A bad tackle on Bolder saw an immediate reaction, and as no player can raise his hands to another he had to go. A slight ‘handbags’ scuffle ensued, and it ended up with both players getting sent off. During this half Doncaster had also lost two players due to injury.

The second half saw Town push forward more, and Bradley Allen came close to scoring on 58 minutes. A minute later, Michael Boulding replaced him although he seemed to be ok.

Doncaster had been playing well, and it was a bit of an injustice when Town took the lead through Michael Jeffery after 66 minutes via a three-man move. This led to them pushing forward in the hope of an equaliser, and this meant gaps at the back which Town took advantage of by increasing their lead after 81 minutes again through Michael Jeffery.

It had not been a great game, and in all honesty nobody impressed enough to give hope that the first team may be strengthened by their addition, Bradley Allen looked lively and he may be added to the squad for the trip to Crewe on Saturday. Their were some young players out there and on the bench, and they will probably get their chance again when they Lincoln in two weeks time.

There had been a chance that Jonathan Rowan may have had a run out, but this was obviously decided against. Paul Crager had a good game, and it will be interesting to find out where he has suddenly sprung form to earn his place in the reserve side and it would be worth letting him play again in two weeks time when they play Lincoln City.

Town Croudson, Hockless (Thompson (R), Morgan, Downes, Raven, Crager, Ward ( Moran), Bolder, Allen (Boulding), Jeffery, Smith
Subs not used Cranley, Mansaram.

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