Heanor were a lot more "together" than they were at Pinxton on Friday last, but still failed to claim that elusive first pre-season win against a classy looking Arnold side.
Lions' Regular keeper Mark Frost had to pull out of the game for personal reasons - and his stand in was not really up to the mark (no pun intended). He failed to clear for the first goal on 44, allowing ANTHONY GREGORY to nod home. H-T 1-0
Arnold keeper Lance Walker on the other hand made a couple of terrific stops - one diving effort to keep out Ashley Grayson's piledriver on 53 was really top class. Arnold doubled their lead when a mix up in the Heanor defence gave their no.16, BEN MIDDLETON, a simple tap in from 8 yards. The home team added their third on 65 when the Heanor keeper failed to hold a fairly tame drive, and MITCHELL SLAWSON tapped home from close range.
Nice to see Liam Garner in action again after 18 months out of the game. He had a great first half for the Eagles even though he admitted he was not fit and was suffering from a chest infection. F-T 3-0
Arnold already look a decent team, and we are due to be at Eagle Valley on August 6th to catch their first NCEL Premier Division league game of the season against Long Eaton United ....
Heanor have an extra week to prepare for their first EMCL league game, and although not playing as well as we know they can, they did show at times what they are capable of.
Admission £3
Attendance 58, but my h/c was 70+
