League Two: Unatletico Madrid 0-2 We Hate Ben

We Hate Ben got back to winning ways in a tough match against their rivals Unatletico Madrid. Despite only scoring two goals they dominated the match for long spells and missed a few somewhat easy chances which could have made the scoreline more appropriate, and put the game to bed long before the 80th minute.

WHB lined up in a 4-4-2, which gave them stability and good wing-play throughout the game. Stuart Fleming made his debut in goal, and with other gaps in the side from missing players the Captain came into central midfield and Adam Edgerley was moved to right-back. The first half saw a few chances but mostly possession in midfield and the beginning of the final third. A few chances were spurned but nothing really of note and apart from one spell towards the end of the half where Unatletico looked threatening. Some decent forward play between Hywel Williams, Ross Pope, James Peate and Toby Moss, who was making his first ever start did create openings while the long ball from the Captain and overlapping from full-backs Matt L'argent and Adam Edgerley who was playing in an unfamiliar role at right-back also saw decent opportunities while Chris Webster and Adam Smith dealt with everything they had to throw at us.

Just before the break saw Mark Healy make his debut for Matt Sermon on the left-wing, who pulled up with the injury that made him a doubt pre-match, and he played solidly. The team continued to try to create openings but when manager James Naik changed tactic to 4-3-3 with Matt Davies and Adam Roberts coming on, the side appeared brighter and eventually scored after much pressure when James Peate finished Hywel Williams pass. Williams shortly after scored himself after having seen a few efforts not quite come off, but then the pair both missed golden opportunities which would have put gloss on a good display.

Naik made some comments after the match:

"I was happy with the display from the team under some difficult circumstances and although in part the finishing was poor we did deserve the victory and I'm delighted to finally have some points on the board. I would in particular like to mention Adam Edgerley, our Captain and Stuart Fleming who were all very good today, but without taking anything away from our other players. Toby Moss made his first start and Mark Healy his first ever appearance and both did well, but overall it was a great team effort and I'm glad to have got another one over on my opposite number. It was also nice to Alex MacDonald get a good response although I am unhappy with the way Adam Smith was treated by their supporters, he was their best player and they definatley could have done with him today. On a final note I would like also to thank our crowd today, they were our 12th man."

Team (4-4-2, 4-3-3)

Fleming - Edgerley, Smith, Webster, L'argent - Pope, Rees, Williams, Sermon - Peate, Moss.

Subs: (used) Shaw, P. Thomas, Healy, Roberts, Davies (unused) None.

Goals: Peate, Williams.

Man of the match: Edgerley