On the back of a couple of friendly wins, it was Town who started brightest in their first competitive fixture in over a month. Right from the back Logan Keogh and Sam Harris were winning the ball with ease and starting attacks with their excellent passing. The first real chance of the game fell to Billy McNay, the ball was crossed from Harry Cartlidge and McNay found space in the box, but his close range shot whistled just wide of the keepers near post. A well-rehearsed corner routine opened the door for Town's next chance with Jaden Keogh lashing the ball just wide of the back post. Town were dominating the game and you wouldn't think that they had not played for 5 weeks. Next up was Charlie Shapley, his magnificent free kick seemed to be heading into the top corner before rocketing off the crossbar. After another good passing move, Shapley played in McNay who looked certain to score, but only a wonderful save from the Linnets keeper kept the score at 0-0. Linnets were desperate for the half time whistle as Town continued to press for the opener. Robert Parr had very little to do, but done well when called upon.
HT 0-0
The second half was again one way traffic with the introduction of Cem Arikboga adding more energy to the front line. Logan Keogh pushed out to the right and he had a couple of chances but the keeper was again equal to his shots. Jaden Keogh won the ball in midfield and played through Arikboga who done everything right to get past 2 men, his shot cruelly hit the post and come back out. It seemed to be one of those days. Jack Harris and Davis Connolly were now introduced with the latter adding more pace and directness to Town's attack and it was Connolly who won the ball and played a neat one-two with Arikboga before releasing Logan Keogh who seemed to be through on goal until a last ditch tackle from the Linnets number 10 halted the attack. Logan Keogh ran through again and again he was denied by the very impressive away keeper, luckily Davis Connolly was on hand to tap in the rebound between the keepers legs to make it 1-0 to Town - a thoroughly deserved lead. With a minute to spare, Linnets created their first real chance of the game with the ball squirming underneath the body of Robert Parr and hitting the post with Sam Harris and Logan Keogh on hand to make a last-ditch tackle to keep the ball out.
FT 1-0

It was a very exciting game with both sides giving their all. Every Town player gave it their all and it was a great start to our cup campaign. With BPR up next, they will prove to be a much sterner opposition judging on our games against them so far this season. It is very important that we get the win as only 2 teams qualify out of the group which on form, would mean it is out of ourselves, BPR and Whiston Rangers vying for the 2 spots.

MOM - Sam Harris