In difficult, windy conditions, a strong County second-string, that featured now fewer than eight senior squad members amidst its brethren, lined up in the first reserve friendly since the club withdrew from Pontins Reserve league late last season.
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However, the County side adapted well to the awkward circumstances, and indeed tough opposition, to complete a pleasing victory. The win over the Championship outfit was pleasing largely because of the youthful nature of the squad, despite the travelling party having been peppered with some of the club’s more seasoned pro’s.
Goals from the returning Ruben Zadkovich – who drilled home a free kick – and transfer-listed winger Tony Scully, who hit a peach of a shot from outside the 18-yard area, helped secure victory.
Ruben joined Shane McFaul and Glynn Hurst for their first noteworthy run-outs of the new season, whilst ‘keeper Shaun Marshall once more was trialled in front of the inquisitive eyes of manager Gudjon Thordarson, and his assistant Ross McClaren.
The scoreline, however, will be seem somewhat trivial upon reflection, with the friendly proving a useful work-out for the likes of 34-year-old Richardson, who returned to the game after eleven months out of action – and Whitlow.
The two old hands of the squad recovered from respective injuries seemingly without a hitch, albeit with Whitlow only having returned to action for the final forty minutes of the contest.
Notts' Starting XI: Marshall, Thacker, Molloy, Richardson, B Wilson, Chilaka, Zadkovich, McFaul, Morgan, Hurst, Gordon.
Subs Used: Whitlow, Akers, Rhodes, Scully, Williams
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