Town Ready For New Season

Beverley Town wrapped up their pre season preparations with a hard fought draw with Humber Premier league 1 newcomers Driffield EI. Beverley Town started a little sluggish, and their quick tempo passing game was not quite there.

After scrapping for possession Beverley Town finally took a hold of the game, and started to pass and move with speed and flair. The ball was being worked well down both flanks, with Mark Bagshaw and Mike Dixon delivering some excellent crosses for the 3 pronged strike force!

Stand in skipper Nathan White, was busy in midfield, pulling the strings and working well with Beverley Town Veteran Mike Evins, who has returned from retirement for the second time in 4 years!

White has done an excellent job as skipper, and injured club captain John Ricardo (perforated ear drum) can rest easy that his role is being carried out so well by the youngster White!

Beverley Town took the lead on 25 minutes after some great work down the left by Mark Bagshaw, who linked well with Conor Hawkes. Youngster Hawkes cut inside onto his right foot and finished calmly past the hapless Driffield keeper. However Beverley Towns lead did not last long, as an over enthusiastic tackle from Nathan White was deemed to be illegal by the referee, and Driffield scored from the resulting penalty.

Half time 1-1

Manager Dave Walton made a number of changes at half time, with keeper Mike Morris, right back Mike Dixon, and stalwart defender Rich Jagger making way for an injection of youth! The changes seemed to unsettle Beverley Town a little, and the game became scrappy in parts. Much of the play was fought out in the middle of the pitch, with both teams struggling to get the upper hand.

It was Beverley Town who eventually made the breakthrough. Jimmy Symes latched on to a fantastic through ball by Mike Evins, and calmly rounded the keeper to slot the ball into an empty net. Manager Dave Walton expected to see his side kick on and get more goals now they were on top, but this never happened.

Credit to a hard working Driffield side, they never gave in and after some good play down the right hand side, managed to force an equaliser. The remaining 15 minutes were played out without incident and both teams were pleased with a competitive workout before the start of the season next weekend.

Beverley Towns new President, Stu Akester was on hand after the game to give his thoughts on the challenge ahead for the new season. Akester said;

“Manager Dave Walton has done a fantastic job in bringing in some quality new signings, and blooding some of the youngsters from our youth teams. It’s always difficult when players leave the club, and you worry that the team will not be able to perform at the same high level. However I can honestly say that squad is looking stronger in all areas than it did last season.”

Experienced signings like Dean Taylor(Barton Beverley Town), Mark Frampton and Danny Mackevych (Hutton Cranswick), mixed with a blend of rising stars like Mark Bagshaw, James Whittingham and Conor Hawkes, mean that we can really challenge for the title this season”

Asked about the challenge faced by Hodgsons, Akester said;

“Hodgsons have done a remarkable job in a short space of time. After starting out not so long ago as a local pub side, they have quickly worked their way through the leagues and they fully deserve to be where they are now. It is great for the Beverley Town of Beverley that we now have 2 sides in the top division.”

“I read with interest their ambitions to finish above us in the league, and I think it’s an indication of how far Beverley Beverley Town FC have come over the years that teams are now aspiring to be like us, as they say, imitation is the highest form of flattery!”

Beverley Town start the Humber Premier League season next week away at North Ferriby Reserves, 2pm KO at Inglemire Lane Police Club.