Paul Holleran has made it clear that he doesn't like pre-season matches, stating in the programme today that they were a ritual that had to be gone through. He will be even less happy after Joe Magunda got sent off in the first half for a reckless tackle. The Nuneaton boss has claimed that it was a potential leg breaker, but arguably the referee was influenced by a worse tackle by James Mace shortly beforehand. I have seen referees just ask for the offending player to be replaced in such circumstances. Let's hope that the referee doesn't make a report and Magunda ends with a ban. The referee is a leisure centre manager, so probably gets lots of chances to be officious in his day job as well.
Nuneaton were already in a commanding position before we went down to ten men and it spoilt the match as a spectacle. Indeed, the greatest excitement was caused by a thunderstorm and heavy rain in the second half which caused the floodlights to be switched on. After the sending off, all Brakes could do most of the time was defend and they can claim some credit for keeping the score line to a respectable 0-2, both Nuneaton goals being scored in the first half. We were better in the second half, but whenever anyone broke forward they simply lacked enough support to achieve anything.
This was the first pre-season match I have been to and there is evidently still some work to do. The midfield can't keep possession well and as a result we are hoofing the ball forward. However, from time to time, we did pass the ball quite neatly. Good to see Richard Batchelor back, but he doesn't look match fit.
Breedon will be a hard act to follow, he saved us a number of points last season. The new keeper is not of the same calibre, but I wouldn't blame him for the two goals and he did make a couple of very good saves.
It will be a tough start against Guiseley next week.
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