March 2020, Shrewsbury turned us over on our own turf - a poor game that sticks in my mind. A new lockdown and a better memory to carry into the predicted league break... a 3-1 result against a decent Buxton 2nd XI.

Skipper Harding has a policy of picking young players and the four last week were joined by another making it 5 U16s in the team today and 8 in consideration overall. Pleasingly there were some lessons learned too - not over running the short corners being one, but tricks need to be varied and repeating them too often is a blunt instrument.

The goals came from the experienced players, but the contribution by the "junior" players was significant even if "encouragement" seemed to be required at times. Simon Willis scored twice in the first half - to Buxton's single strike - both from short corners, turning the corner strike from the D top into the net on both occasions - the lack of pace on the first being the killer as everyone expected the clean contact. In goal, Darren Mansell impressed on his first showing for the club, picking up the man of the match award, and keeping Buxton at bay.

To pick out one junior player - Luke Douglas had an excellent game. His distribution and control was outstanding, demonstrating great composure and showing some significantly more experienced players on both sides deft close control before releasing the ball.

But to the finale - the skipper had demanded more from all before the match, stressing the importance of intensity in the game. Fingers pointed pre-match saw results across the pitch and it was John Murray who demonstrated the willingness to get involved as Sam Straw went on the wander - counter attack punch delivered, space made and a well taken tap in. Buxton pushed hard desperately trying to get back in the game but were repelled... points secured.