Report by Jools Thomas

FC enjoyed a useful run out against a spirited AFC Victoria game in this practice match on the main Haywood Way pitch to conclude the squad's series of pre-season friendlies. This runout allowed boss Craig Faulconbridge the opportunity to put the final touches to his plans whilst having a look at one or two of the Academy players at his disposal.

On 15 minutes, the visitors tested Rhys Marshall in the FC goal with a low shot before FC triallist Matt Hall fired home the opener after playing a neat one – two with Jack Thomson. On 27 minutes the ever busy Lamar Simpson turned the opposing defence inside and out and then poked the ball home for a great goal to make the score 2-0.

Right after half time AFC Victoria pulled a goal back. FC’s Derek Feyi slipped allowing Ricky Gwilliam the space to run on goal and place the ball into the bottom corner of the goal. On 70 minutes FC threatened to reinstate the 2 goal cushion but Davis Haule’s shot hit the bar instead. Twelve minutes from time and that cushion was restored as Jerome Federico beat the offside trap, calmly rounded the keeper and tapped the ball into an empty net. The scoring was concluded when the offside trap was again beaten shortly afterwards by Federico. Despite the keeper getting fingertips to the ball, the outcome was still a goal as FC brought the curtain down on pre-season.

Line Up

1. Rhys Marshall.
2. Derek Feyi.
3. Matt Hall.
4. Kwasi Frempong.
5. Lee Grant.
6. Nick O'Donovan,
7. Jerome Federico.
8. Davis Haule.
9. Craig Faulconbridge.
10. Jack Thomson.
11. Lamar Simpson.

Subs
Adil Salah.
Asher Yearwood.