Rotherfield Reserves Earn Deserved Draw at Wadhurst

In their first pre-season friendly, the Reserves were good value for a stalemate at Wadhurst.

Dominating for much of the first half while playing uphill — and what a hill it was — Rotherfield created a number of opportunities. Xander Hamza shot tamely after some good approach play, before Harry Chittenden failed to test the home keeper following an excellent passing move, although it was with his left foot!

With James Bowen and Owen Ridley forming an impressive central defensive partnership, the home side were kept well away from Alfie Jukes, making his debut in the Rotherfield goal.

The second half saw Wadhurst come more into the game, as they also found it easier playing up the slope. Jukes was called upon to tip a routine effort over the bar before producing a good save low to his left, securing the ball at the second attempt.

With seven substitutes and a plethora of positional changes, it was inevitable that the second half became somewhat staccato. However, by the final whistle, debuts had been made, match fitness had been boosted and every player had contributed positively to a decent run-out.

A useful first outing for the Reserves as preparations for the new season continue.

Rotherfield Reserves Squad: Jukes, Sellings, J Bowen, L Bowen, Sutton, Gabriel S, Gabriel B, Ridley O, Chittenden, Birdsall, Dunn, Alexander, Hamza, Peevor, Bristow, Brazier, Furman, Wilson.