Avon Calling - Friendly Week

Last updated : 08 November 2002 By Peter Heywood

Mark Kennedy - back from injury for Wolves
The Blades took on York City reserves on Monday and came out 4-2 winners. Goalkeeper Simon Tracey played the first half, his first outing since undergoing a knee operation in the summer, and came through with no ill effects. The match was also a chance for Paul Peschisolido to improve his match fitness, and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands, scoring a hat-trick. This must have boosted his confidence, and we all know what happened after he came on as a substitute on Wednesday night against Leeds.

Wolves played Shrewsbury, also on Monday, again in an attempt to help injured players back to full fitness. Goalkeeper Michael Oakes continued his rehabilitation, but for Mark Kennedy it was his first outing since suffering a groin strain in April. He must have done enough to impress David Jones, who named him as a sub for the Portsmouth game, where he replaced George Ndah after 30 minutes in the 1-1 draw. The Wolves’ second string weren’t so lucky in the friendly, losing 1-0 to a goal from that old warhorse, Ian Stevens.

Huddersfield managed to get two games in. Firstly, a goalless draw with Wigan, and then on Tuesday they travelled to Newcastle to take on the Magpies second team. A 1-0 defeat highlighted the problem facing Mick Wadsworth at Town: their inability to score.

Town’s reserve coach Jeff Lee commented afterwards: "It’s important for our reserve players to get the sort of game that we did yesterday. We haven’t got a proper reserve game for a while now and these friendlies are necessary for team development. The team needs to test themselves against other clubs, because there is only so much you can do within the club in terms of developing the players." Presumably Stan would disagree.

The Clarets plat their first home reserve game in over two months on Wednesday when they take on in-form Barnsley. They have won six out of their last seven reserve league and cup outings, moving up to third place in the process. The Clarets really need a win to get away from the bottom two relegation places. Make sure you turn up for 7pm and give the youngsters a cheer.

Next week’s fixtures:

Tuesday, November 12th:

Wolves v Rotherham

Wednesday, November 13th:

Burnley v Barnsley
Preston v Sheffield Utd
Walsall v Tranmere