Harveys Bar F.C 1 - 2 Stoney Middleton

This game wasn't a thriller, with neither side looking impressive as we build up to the first game of the season.

Harveys were missing striker Boam who's finishing has been first class along with Cantrill, J Warburton, Barwick and Swift. They did welcome back Wild for the first time this season along with trialist Fantom.

The game kicked off with Harveys going up hill. The game was going to be won in midfield and with that Stoney packed it playing 4-5-1. Haywood and Good all performed well to battle against the extra man and seem to win the battle only struggled to find the killer pass for Harveys front men to convert. The half looked to be coming to a close at stalemate until Gratton made his way down the left with Armshaw before GRATTON's cross flew past the keeper giving Harveys the lead just before half time.

Stoney kept going and should have had an instant reply when there striker went through only to be denied by the woodwork. From the Goal kick Stoney looked to score again only to blast there chance over the bar just before the half time whistle.

H/T Harveys Bar F.C 1-0 Stoney Middleton F.C

Stoney's side seem to come out with a point to prove. Before long it the game was even again when a break away goal came down the right. Harveys Defense just stopped waiting for a flag that never came allowing a simple tap in for the Stoney forward. Harveys Midfield looked all over the place after making chances from the start. Players looked tired and out of sorts until Bettney made changes. Harveys thought they'd hit back again when Armshaw's shot from 25 yards crashed against the crossbar. Harveys had a good spell but just couldn't find the finishing touch.

With the game coming to the end Stoney got a break. Wild came too far and handled outside the area after Stoney's forward had chipped the keeper. The ref was lenient as Smith managed to get back on the line. The free kick came in and crashed the bar before dropping on the line only to be tapped over by an advancing striker. Once again Harvey's seemed asleep and only had themselves to blame for gifting Stoney the winner. The game wasn't over with and Stoney switched off to allow a tense finish to the game but Harveys couldn't find the final ball or finish.

Full Time: Harveys Bar F.C 1 - 2 Stoney Middleton

Harveys have a lot to learn after resulting back to the long ball. This side was a glimmer of the two sides Harveys have had out this season, they lacked passion and grit. Some players could hold there head up high Armshaw looked impressive as he claimed Man of the Match switching between the left and centre forward.

Mithraco LTD Man Of The Match: Dave Armshaw