A game of missed opportunities:

The first practice game of the season saw the Grangers up against last years Div 1 runners up, the Devies. This game turned out to be just the hit out we needed. A number of new faces were evident at the start of the game including the European of Cedric and Albert. A completely new midfield combination matched it early with the Devies. The Devies did not seem to have their usual passing game going and in fact it was the Grangers who appeared to have more time and space on the ball early on.

A 6 yard scramble from a corner and determination from Andy saw the ball over the line for the first time this season for the Grangers. A second goal from Ray not long after saw the Grangers in the unlikely position of 2-0 up after 30mins. Ray obviously hadn't learnt the names (or faces) of the new players as he scored the second goal on his own even though he had six of seven unmarked players screaming for the ball.

The second half seemed to continue in the same vain as the first although this was to change rapidly as an unmarked Devies player scored of a rebounded corner. (Definitely room for improvement off the corners for the Grangers). This didn't faze the Grangers who went in for the winner. The third goal just wouldn't come despite the fact that the Grangers had a number of one on ones with the keeper.

The Grangers new that a third goal was not to come when Anthony made a great run into the box, Dave was screaming for the ball square, Anthony rounded the keeper and had the two posts left to beat. The posts won this battle and the ball went wide.

The Devies now lifted and the Grangers, who had moved many players around, started to be put under more and more pressure. This pressure told when the equaliser came. The last few minutes saw a game go that the Grangers should not have lost. A long ball to a Devies player, who appeared to be offside, saw the Devies go up 3-2 when he slipped the ball under Troy, who had played a great and confident game all night.

In the dying minutes the Grangers looked to finally get at least a deserved draw when Rob was brought down in the box. Dave called out to Rob, "Make sure the keeper has to save it". Unfortunately he must of heard, "Make sure it goes wide of the right post", because that's where it ended up.

All in all a good work out for the Grangers with plenty of positives and plenty to work on.

Eroy, Mark, Ismaan, Anthony, Dave, Merrick, Rob, Froggi, Russell, Ray, Andy, Jimmy, Albert, Cedric, Chris, Harry, Nick.

Quote of the match: "Make sure the keeper has to save it". Dave said to Rob before he took the penalty.