A new looking academy side consisting of 7 new scholars competed in a competitive friendly last Wednesday at Durham County FA against an under 18 side.
The game started bright with a couple of half chances for Jordan Botwood and a long shot missing the target by Joe Ockleby.
The hosts started to take a grip on the game and took a chance which was gifted to them from BPA losing possession in there own half . George Widdop pulled off a couple of fine saves soon after and with Adam Whitrick having to limp off odds were stacked against BPA. Conceding a goal on the stroke of half time It was looking like it could be a glum result .
After the break a lot more energy in there play and BPA were rewarded with a goal to get them back in the game with a neat finish from Tanvir Ali. The hosts had another chance to pull further clear but fine defending from Harry Holmes put an end to that. With the instructions of Academy manager Alex Meechan , Harry himself with five minutes to go was told to go up and attack a set piece and he duly obliged. A fine header from a good delivery from Matt Rowntree and BPA got what they deserved.
With a final result of 2-2, all in all a good learning curve for the new recruits.