IGS played in an eventful friendly against Rochester & District league side, Minster Village FC, this weekend.

The game started well for the visitors, as they dominated the early play and took a deserved lead. A wonderful half volley from Reece Stoneman, making only his 2nd appearance for the club, got The Stars back on level terms but soon after Minster retook the lead before half time.

The second half was barely 10 minutes old when tempers flared. Teddy Haysman was sent through on goal and when approaching the 18-yard box, he was dragged to the ground by a defender. It was a cynical professional foul, and the referee rightly gave the Minster defender a red card. Minster then complained about the decision for a prolonged period as the game reached boiling point. The referee was able to restart the game and Minster actually added to their lead, making the score 1-3 on the counter-attack.

It was then, in the 60 minute of the game, that a big tackle on Eddy Davis brought a foul and a melee ensued. Both managers were called onto the pitch and in the interests of safety, the game was abandoned.

It was a disappointing end to a tough fixture for IGS, but nevertheless another 60 minutes of football in the bank ahead of the final pre-season fixtures in August.