The Tulips Pre-Season Friendlies

12 players on the retained list from last season as the pre season got under way, Connor Johnson, Ben Hart, Josh McCammon, Yusifu Ceesa and Ben Blythe the new additions as we kicked off against Bourne Town on Saturday 12th July, 3 other trialist were also involved on a very warm day played on a bone hard pitch, a non eventful game was decided by a second half goal for the Wakes.

Lincoln United was next on the Tuesday evening, my first visit to Ashby Avenue which I was assured has not changed much down the years, a cooler evening and better game. Musa Ceesay, cousin of Yusifu was added to the squad, it wasn't long before Jimmy got him on due to a injury forcing Connor Johnson off. Jack Roberts was the pick on the night tormenting both full backs, the home keeper seemed unbeatable and it was only when he was replaced that James Clifton grabbed the winner.

Saturday 19th July, Hemel Hempstead, after negotiating the black cat roundabout roadworks in the pouring rain and most of the M1 in similar conditions we pulled into the club car park next to Chappers who was stretching out after his 3 hour journey! Hemel, a step 2 club, play on a 3G pitch a very nice ground to visit. Jimmy shuffled the pack given all the players minutes, Ben Blythe replaced Johnson at the back, a bright start by us was backed up by Bart heading home on 15 minutes, a harsh penalty against Liam Moore see the home team level by half time. Hemel, in all fairness, got on top second half and despite 6 changes by Jimmy mid way we did well to hang on for a draw.

Saturday 26th July, another step 2 club was our next fixture newly promoted Worksop Town, The Tigers, who also play on a 3G pitch. Another addition to the starting line up Alfie Bendle a young midfielder who impressed the following Tulip support, Connor Johnston rejoined the squad but we lost Nathan Fox to a serious knee injury which saw the very likeable full back driven to hospital. On the pitch our best performance so far saw us run out 3-1 winners, Yusifu Ceesay, Clifton and Bart on target, Ben Hart a constant threat down the right showed us what we've been lacking in that right back role.

Tuesday 29th July, Corby at Steel Park, never an easy place to visit as Gary Setchell always has his team up for a fight. With the loss of Foxy at left back, Jimmy got hold of 17 year old Aaron Cashmore from Doncaster Rovers, the lad certainly didn't let anyone down with an impressive 90 minutes. Harrison Taylor started in midfield along side Lawlor, it was the latter who's inch perfect pass set up Jack Roberts for the only goal of the game after 2 minutes. As the rain came down and no safety certificates signed by the local council everyone now is getting wet, Me , Darren and Tim took cover under some scaffolding whereas Zoe made of sterner stuff put her hood up and got on with it....welcome to non league football!!! The second half got very scrappy, first Dion and then Bart were guilty of missing good chances, something that must improve when points are at stake.

Our final friendly was a visit to the Walks Stadium, King's Lynn the third step 2 team we faced. Curtis Thompson was signed leading up to the game but despite being part of the warm up didn't feature on the pitch, starting 11 now any indication this could be in Jimmy's mind for next Saturday? Lawlor and McGammon in midfield, Jack, Bart and Ceesay up front? Kings Lynn have Joesph Nyahwema in their ranks now after the player left us to join the Linnets via Australia, personally the A17 looked a better option! This game was a real good test for us against a very good well organised side. But having a player like Jack Roberts in your team anything is possible, Lynn missed their chances but our boy didn't, some solid defending and Chappers looking good between the post's another win against higher opposition was chalked up.

Next time out we are playing for points, with the situation at home, games being delayed, the first four are all away which in it self is challenging. First up Real Bedford who have had a perfect pre season in terms of results it is going to be a tough one, but with Jimmy at the helm and our support behind him you watch us Tulips go!!