Netherton Sports U15s played a very competitive pre-season friendly game against visiting Athersley Rec.  They took the lead after 15 minutes or so, with a goal from team captain Connor Varley but Athersley levelled a little later.  Harem Ali then put them back in front with Liam McClean netted to give them 3 – 2 lead by the break, after Athersley had levelled for the second time in the first half.

Sports goal-keeper George Harrison had a much more active second half, making some fantastic saves before Athersley levelled to make it 3 – 3 and then went on to score two more late on to give the visitors an overall justifiable 3 – 5 win.  Despite missing a couple of key players Sports still coped well, that’s until some experimental second half changes and a bit of early season tiredness, took their toll.  However the experimental team changes were still very much worth while because a number of potential ideas were looked at and now sorted out for the new season ahead.

Tyler Varley and Lee Cawley put in strong personal displays, meaning they jointly shared the Topps Tiles Man of the Match Award ahead of goal-keeper Harrison.