North Elmham & Lyng Res 0, Rockland Utd Res 0

North Elmham and Lyng Reserves started their game against Rockland Reserves with a team whose average age was 17.

Ed Savage, Daniel Bayfield, Oscar Cotton and Daniel Penny were all making their debuts for the club and Henry Debenham stepped in as goalkeeper at very short notice.

It was always going to be a difficult game with a lot of new players playing together for the first time, some in positions that were unfamiliar to them and up against a much stronger more experienced team.

Jonny Coe, one of the oldest members of the team at the grand old age of 20 was made captain and Daniel Tuddenham took charge of marshalling the defence of Ben Weiland, Cotton and Sam Caley.

It wasn't a surprise to see the visitors settle into their game quicker, but Debenham looked confident and in control of his area, and dealt with everything that Rocklands threw at him.

Penny and Bayfield playing down the wings sent in some good crosses but Elmham & Lyng lacked height up front, with Weiland playing in defence.

A long range shot from Elmham crashed against the post, and at the other end a certain goal was denied by Tuddenham, when he cleared off the line.

Savage had an outstanding debut game working tirelessly in the midfield alongside Coe, giving Jamie Grimson and Connor MacDonald the opportunity to run at goal.

In the second half Cotton was forced off with a back problem, and Penny had to leave for work. Regan Elfeet took the role of right back and Darren Cole went up front.

The final 15 minutes of the game saw Elmham & Lyng on the back foot and only some outstanding tackles from Tuddenham and Regan Elfeet kept a clean sheet and a well earned point.