It was a third preseason game in a week, just a few weeks from the start of the season, as the Clarets travelled to North London. They had been here last season, falling to a 2-1 defeat against Haringey despite a Liam Trotter goal. This time, a scoreless draw gave both sides a good 90-minute runout and more minutes in the tank.
Robbie’s starting side featured 2 trialists, with 9 senior players starting from the off. It was Jacob Marsden in goal once again, with Brookes and Winfield joined by Trialist A at the back. Across the midfielder, trialist B, Samir Carruthers, Eze Ebuozeme and Jazzi Barnum Bobb, with Jones and Ruff behind Bettamer. A number of substitutions took place throughout the second half, with Robbie opting against a full halftime switch, which he utilised away to Ware.
KICK OFF:
After kicking the game off, Charlie Ruff had a fantastic chance, just minutes into the game. Callum Jones picked him out over the top and Ruff hooked it over the keeper. It bounced slowly and narrowly rolled inches past the post. After setting up a chance, it was Callum Jones who came close. He latched onto a ball in behind, where he was able to get a strike at goal but could only fire it wide. With Chelmsford dominating, Haringey look to capitalise on the chances that they got. Just after the halfway point in the half, Gbolohan was able to get in between the Claret defenders and beat Jacob Marsden to the cross. However, the Clarets keeper was saved by the post, as the shot then rebounded away. With neither side managing a breakthrough, the minutes ticked away as the wind picked up, seeing the ball hold in the air. But the referee brought the first half to a close with the deadlock still to be broken.
HALF TIME: HBFC 0-0 CCFC
Samir Carruthers and Trialist B made way at the break, as 2 more trialists were introduced, C and D – a proud day for Mr and Mrs Trialist. Still on, Trialist A then came close. Ben Brookes stood over the corner and whipped it in beautifully seeing Trialist A standing in space. He headed well but failed to keep it down. Then, Trialist C got involved into the games as he picked up the ball in midfield and played a quick give and go with Mo Bettamer. He looked up and struck goalwards, where the Haringey goalkeeper was able to get down well and make a save. From the save, Haringey were able to get forward and win themselves a corner. It was delivered in well, and Haringey’s Pawel rose highest, flicking towards goal but once against hitting the post. For the second time, Jacob Marsden was delighted that his post had come to the rescue.
Halfway through the second half, Robbie turned to the bench and 8 changes were made. In no particular order, Brookes, Barnum-Bobb, Winfield, Ebuzoeme, Ruff, Jones, Bettamer and Trialist A left the field. With Davison, Payne, Wordsworth, Dabre, Gregory, Hockey and Trialists E and F entering the field. Trialist F had the ball in the net for the first time today, as Freddie Hockey danced through defenders and fed him through. However, the linesman spoiled the scene as his flag was raised. The Trialists were certainly showing their trades, as Trialist D broke free. He beat his man and fizzed a teasing ball across the face of goal where, unfortunately, no Claret shirts were able to poke home. And with that, the game looked over but, Haringey had an amazing last second chance. A lapse in concentration saw their 18 clean through, one on one with Jacob Marsden. Supported by his teammate, he opted to round Marsden instead of squaring for the tap in. However, Marsden was the hero as he got down low and clawed the ball from the striker’s feet and bravely prevented the danger. With that, the referee blew the full-time whistle.
FULL TIME: HBFC 0-0 CCFC
It was some more valuable minutes in the tank as the Clarets continued preparations in North London. They look forward to a busy week, with 2 more games in the space of 3 days.
Words By Josh Lowe
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