Reserves Taste Defeat

By: Martin Copass
Date: 20/03/2002

TOWN's dwindling promotion hopes took a knock as they were beaten 3-2 by Bury reserves at Blundell Park today. There wasn't too much experience in the side, but the visitors seemed more up for winning the game in the second half.

Menno Willems made a surprise appearance, and Thomson continued to turn out in midfield as they looked for the points they needed to earn them promotion. There were also two more trialists on show, as manager Groves looked to find new young players for next season.

Bury were the first to show however, and a close range header was well saved by the returning Dutch keeper Ronald Ermes. Just a few minutes later however, Town took the lead through Jonathan Rowan as he finished off good work down the left with a close range effort put in at the second attempt.

There weren't too many more opportunities in the half, but Town continued to take the game to Bury in the attempt to increase their goal tally. On the half hour mark Bury’s Bhutia had a golden chance to equalise, but missed when it looked easier to score.

Thompson was again performing well in midfield, a sign that Groves may consider converting him to this position, as Town could certainly do with a goal scoring midfielder.

The second half was totally different however as Bury took the game to Town and poor defending allowed them to score three goals in the space of 17 minutes. Town were getting nowhere in their efforts to get back into the game, and the three substitutions made little difference until the last minute when Carchedi scored from close range following a corner.

This was a disappointing result, just when the points were needed and Town must now pick up the points on their travels as they have only one home game left. For Town Thompson had a fine game, and Rowan looked sharp enough to be considered for a place on the bench. The two trialists had reasonable games and may be worth another look before the season ends. Willems looked a little uninterested at times, but maybe this has something to do with the fact that he has put in a transfer request.

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