Preseason Friendly v Seaton Carew Tigers

Seaton Carew Tigers claimed a dramatic 4-3 victory over Rutherford AFC in a thrilling encounter at Rutherford. The visitors scored twice in each half to secure the win, while Rutherford fought back from behind three times but could not find a fourth equaliser.

The Tigers took the lead in the 15th minute, when a corner was cleared only as far as the 18 yard box and to the Season player for fired a low powerful shot into the bottom corner of the net. Rutherford responded well and levelled the score ten minutes later, when midfielder Max Johnson volleyed home a corner from inside the 6 yard box.

Seaton regained their advantage in the 28th minute, when their winger pounced on a goal kick and scored from close range. Rutherford showed their resilience once again and equalised on the stroke of half time, when Joe scored direct from a wide free kick, assisted by manager Scott Vincent who whispered "Their keepers off his line, shoot for the far top corner" whilst given Joe some treatment for the proceeding foul. Joe did just that and scored a great goal.

Rutherford were lucky to be level at half time, we didn't pass the ball well or often enough and the gap between between defence, midfield and attack was too big but this can happen early in preseason and with new players but it's something we need to improve on, and quickly.

The second half was equally entertaining and full of goals. Seaton restored their lead in the 42nd minute, when their midfielder pounced on a loose ball in the box and slotted it home. Rutherford refused to give up and drew level for the third time in the 48th minute, when midfielder Max Johnson scored from inside the box following the best passing move of the match from Rutherford.

The game looked set for a draw, but Seaton had other ideas and snatched the winner in the 58th minute, when a Seaton player ran onto a through ball following a Rutherford corner and poked the ball home and past the Jack and into the net. The final whistle went but not before Rutherford could've snatched a last minute equaliser when Max Billingham struck a shot just over the bar from inside the 18 yard box. But it wasn't to be and Seaton were well worth their win and Rutherford were left to rue their missed chances.

The games are coming thick and fast now, with Cleavland Hall visiting on Wednesday night and we will be looking for an improvement in our performance, particularly passing and team shape, something we were very good at last season. This is what preseason is all about, blooding new players, new positions and roles. It's all practice for the new season. Penny, Taylor and Amir all played well in their debut matches, as did Connor in his new role as centre back. Shaun and I will continue to try new ideas out throughout preseason whilst maintaining the principles and patterns we've been working on for some time.

Onwards to Wednesday and the next fixture, well done everyone, a good workout.