FAIRFIELD...0

AFTER last weeks goal feast against Ainsworth, confidence was high for the top of the table clash with Gregorians Reserves.

Bad luck struck very early, as key centre half Chris Hutchinson cried off at the last minute due to sickness, long-term absentees Chris Adams and Ian Boyle were still not fit for selection and Dave Nally was also missing.

Four reserve players therefore were drafted in to the squad: Carman, D. Berry, Gutkowski and Galbraith.

The game started at a very slow tempo as both teams struggled to string their passes together.

A quick turn and shot from Dave Berry was saved well by the goalkeeper and the rebound was hit into the side netting by Rob Wilcox, however this was the only real attempt either team could muster.

The second half started in the same way as the first half and it wasn't long before substitutions were made by Fairfield.

Olive, Gutkowski and Galbraith replacing Rhodes, Berry and Ashton.

Despite the fresh legs, Fairfield still could not create a clear-cut chance and the Gregorians keeper was only called upon on one other occasion.

Meanwhile in goal, James Deveney didn't have a save to make throughout the full 90 minutes.

To make matters worse, Fairfield ended the game with 10 men after Scott Horsfield was dismissed for violent conduct.

They will be hoping for a much better performance away in Preston against Newman College this weekend.

TEAM: Deveney, Cunningham, Ashton (Galbraith), G.Campbell, Carman, B.Campbell, Rhodes (Olive), Haslam, D.Berry (Gutkowski), Wilcox, Horsfield.