Hedon Rangers Grace’s Guardians went into their final pre-season friendly against Mind FC for the second time this year.
After a 3-3 draw in the first-ever Grace’s Guardians outing, there was a change in the team setup with Rich Priest and Chris Read unfortunately out.
However, a decent replacement came in the form of welcoming back skipper John Blades to the team. Paired with new signing Chaz, they lined up with Dec in the middle. A strong back four of Dean, John Harrison, Lewis and Patrick, along with keeper Tom Hewland, and attackers Dan, Damon and Carl.
The game began in good spirit with both teams enjoying possession.
It wasn’t until the 27th minute that the deadlock was broken by skipper Blades with a 20-yard shot beating the keeper in his top right corner to make it 1-0.
The possession increased with skilful teamwork from the back four into the middle and on to the strikers, with numerous changes from Chaz, Dan and the petit Mouse.
The second goal came from a sweeping corner from our skipper, which in the box was volleyed by our very own number 2, Steve Priest.
Partner on the touchline, Sofe, had to eat her words after apparently saying he “can’t kick a ball” literally moments before. But who can stop these Priest lads from scoring? That’s now three goals between Rich, Steve and Archie in four games. These Priests are on fire.
The third goal was slotted in once more with another battle in the box from a corner, with the unlikely player John Harrison burying his second for the team from a couple of yards out to make it 3-0.
With all due respect, Mind FC were not short of chances, which put Tom’s fine saving skills into action. A fine strike from the away number 9 saw Tom push the ball around his post.
Chaz cemented the fourth for the team after fantastic team build-up play starting from superstar utility man Paul Blackmore, finding Dan, into Ben, linking with Damon further up the pitch. A shot from Carl Slattery made the keeper make a great save, but it found the feet of Chaz to make it 4-0.
A shuffle around witnessed some unlikely formations by manager Paul Blackmore, moving
into CDM with Damon moving to left wing.
Hedon Rangers Grace’s Guardians continued to the end in good spirit to see out a 4-0 win with a great back four playing so well and Tom in the net.
Tom, a committee member and sponsor (The Window Doctor) for Grace’s Guardians, praised “the hard work, determination, respect and dedication each team member put in for this special occasion”.
Next up for Grace’s Guardians, our focus shifts to the annual and main event of the year, Grace’s Day, on June 15 at Withernsea playing fields.
