Druids beat tough conference opposition in Friendly.
Druids pre-season got off to a strong start last Tuesday against Whitchurch Alport with a solid performance finishing 2-1 with goals from Arek Piskorski and Nathan Peate. Jonny Taylor left the field with a injury which later in hospital was identified as a dislocated knee which will see him out of action for 4 weeks.
Next up was a tough test against newly promoted conference side Harrogate Town, this match was geared up for something different with over 50 travelling fans attending from Yorkshire adding to the pre match atmosphere.
First half saw Druids struggling to get to grips with a well organised opposition who had plenty of chances to go ahead, finally going 1-0 up in the 35th min. A solid back 4 for the Ancients kept the deficit to 1 going into half time.
Second half saw a reinvigorated Druids rise to the challenge, but struggle to get on to the scoreboard. A free kick by new boy Jordan Evans in the 83rd min was slotted in drawing the two sides level - This was closely followed in the 86th by a penalty award after Lewis George was brought down in the box, Skipper Neil Ashton tucked it away from the spot putting Druids ahead for the first time in the match.
A very entertaining pre season friendly ended in another Druids victory (FT: 2-1) making it 2 from 2. It's also worth mentioning a depleated Druids side saw 2 Academy players rewarded with game time, Lewis George and Evan Woodhall two rising stars for the Ancients will be ones to watch going forward.
We'd like to wish all the best to both Whitchurch & Harrogate in their upcoming season and thank they for the matches, which have been a great test for the boys.