Our first pre season friendly was against Premier Division side Larsens who arrived with a squad of 22 players. We had our usual list of unavailable players but we managed to find a squad of 14 with debuts for Lee King and Dean Assiamah and a return to the club for Lexton Harrison. Larsens dominated the early stages but we defended excellently with keeper Simon Jackson rarely troubled. In fact, arguably we had the better chances on the break with Tony King shooting across the goal and Lee King missing a far post header. It remained 0-0 at half time and whilst our opponents made 11 changes we were restricted to just two with Vernon ‘Kizza’ Nxumalo and Lexton Harrison coming on. Lex made an immediate contribution with a challenge on the keeper setting up Lee King for a debut goal just two minutes into the second half. Our lead only lasted six minutes when a mistake by Martin Loveday gifted a chance to Larsens top scorer Lee Codlin who fired home. The game was fairly even but we were unfortunate to go behind when a long range shot ‘swerved’ at the last second, according to Jacko, and went in off the keeper. This time it was us who equalised just five minutes later after an excellent move was finished off when Danny Hagan set up Daniel Daley to score. Danny came off with six minutes to go to give reserve goalkeeper Ozel Ozerman a rare outfield appearance and Danny’s absence meant that Martin Loveday took the opportunity to take a rare free kick. Martin drove the ball hard and low into the bottom corner and that secured a well deserved 3-2 win. Following a discussion in the bar afterwards Jim Arrowsmith was awarded the man of the match accolades for his performance at left back.