Staffordshire Senior League

Rocester Reserves 2 Goldenhill Wanderers 2     by Andy Nicholls

Rocester reserves ended this match with a point although Manager Steve Swanwick will probably feel as though this was was two points dropped rather than one point gained.

The game was evenly contested from the start and with both sides looking composed at the back it came as some surprise when Goldenhill took the lead when Lee Hand's corner kick seemed to evade everyone and ended up nestling in the back of Karl Smith's net.

Although Rocester looked for an equaliser they didn't get a clear cut chance and at half time Goldenhill would have been the happier team.

The second half saw Rocester pushing forward in search of a goal, and the introduction of striker Tommy Smith, who continued his recovery from a lengthy spell out of the game through injury with another run-out from the bench, seemed to galvanise Rocester.

Rocester were now looking the better side, and having equalised through Paul Milward then took the lead with a power finish from Aaron Plant.

Having done all the hard work, Rocester then seemed to lose concentration as Goldenhill threw men forward in search of an equaliser, which duly arrived in the closing minutes when Richard Foxall capitalised on a defensive mix up.

Rocester shouldn't be too downhearted by this result. They appear to be a hardworking side with plenty of talent who just seem a touch short on confidence.

With a pleasing debut from Mark Bailey at right back, Tommy Smith getting a taste of competitive football again, Paul Tortoishell (left) making a cameo appearance in the second half, the experience of Neil Bennett, the skills of Dodger Beardsley and the hard work of Aaron Plant, Paul Milward and Gavin Reynolds, Rocester are developing the nucleus of a decent side who will gel and get better as they play more matches at home and against some of the league's lesser lights.

Certainly Rocester look well capable of finishing in the top half of the table come the end of the season.