Shirley Rovers 0 vs 2 Dickens Heath FC

DHFC made a string of changes, both tactical and in personnal for their second pre-season clash away to Shirley Rovers.

Heath began the game with a new look in midfield with Court, Clare & Steeles deployed as a central 3 in the new look 433 system.

After a scrappy opening 20 minutes, on a very dry, unforgiving pitch, where neither team was able to build any concerted pressure Heath's midfield started to grapple control of the game and the dominance soon told after a nice team move ended with a smart finish from Bolan to open the scoring. Heath were able to see the game through to half time in comfortable fashion.

Despite several changes at half time Heath kept their shape intact.

Having to now contend with the uphill gradient of the pitch the game became scrappy again. Despite a more open game Rovers only really carried a threat at set peices but were repelled as Heath's solid defensive display continued, with Norris, makeshift right back Ashley and debutant Chinn all putting in impressive displays. When the delivery did manage to beat the defence the Shirley strikers found Scott on his toes to get a strong hand to a top corner bound header at the back post.

A change of shape to 442 half way through the second half did little to change the pattern of the game as Heath managed their way to what fiished as a strong 0-2 victory after an athletic solo run by Matt Court was finished of with an equally spectacular strike which no-one actually thought had gone in.