FANS ARE BACK

For the first time since the lockdown came into force Blues fans were allowed to attend this preseason friendly seeing Enfield run out 3-1 victors. It was certainly a new experience for players and supporters alike with stringent precautions in place on entry to the stadium. On the park, it must be said the visitors capitalised on Blues unforced errors, those apart, the game was evenly balanced .

The first period saw three trialists in the home line up and the first opportunity fell to one of them - Thompson Adeyemi put through on goal - he fluffed his lines with a tame lob easily gathered by the Enfield keeper.

The visitors had an opportunity moments later, but the chance was scorned when the Enfield man scuffed an effort wide of the upright.

Of Blues new signings on show in this period Joe Paxman gave a terrier like performance hustling and bustling in midfield and up front Darelle Russell showed a good turn of speed slowed somewhat when he was subject of some meaty challenges by the opposition defenders.

Enfield took the lead on 13 minutes when trialist Oquarmie Copeland dallied on the ball was dispossessed allowing the Enfield man to drive forward and plant the ball past an exposed Danny Sambridge.

Blues caused consternation when a free kick from Macauley Joynes was only half cleared - the ball ricocheting around the box before trickling wide of the post.

Just before half time the visitors increased their advantage when ex Blue Jared Small jinked past Ryan Sammons - cutting the ball back , Pat Ahern attempted to clear the danger but the ball clipped his trailing leg allowing the simplest of chances for the Enfield forward.

Taking the two errors out of the equation Enfield rarely troubled the Blues back line.

HT 0-2

The second period saw the early departure of Darrelle Russell clearly feeling the effects of some meaty challenges previously. His replacement Luke Hirst showed real promise with great pace and instant control.

Enfield created two chances both failing to hit the target.

Jim Cooper made a number of changes mid way through the half and certainly the introduction of Mitch Hahn gave Blues more impetus, he came close when one of his trademark pile-drivers cannoned off the crossbar.

Blues enjoyed a good period of possession pushing the visitors back who themselves had made a number of changes, but they did come close when the wing back latched on to a through ball firing inches wide.

Danny Sambridge made way for youngster Luke Edwards, who unfortunately was culpable for the visitors third goal on 79 minutes failing to hold on to a tame drive, although in his defence he may have seen the ball late.

Two minutes later Blues registered a consolation goal when Mitch Hahn capped off an accomplished performance drilling the ball past the visitors young replacement keeper who fumbled badly.

So a useful workout for Jim Coopers men another 90 minute under their belt and a chance to hone their match fitness - there were some encouraging signs with Tony Stokes looking back to his best holding the ball up well and bringing players into the game, Hirst, Paxman, Aherne, Russell and Tom Jewers look good additions to the squad

Sambridge, (Edwards 76),Sammons (Dark 63), Joynes, Omolabi, Ahern, Copeland (Jewers 61), Russell (Hirst 48), Adeyemi (Hahn 61), Stokes (Girling 61), Paxman (Agunbade 62), Carlos (Paul - Jones).