Roger Pleased

Roger Cross was pleased with his reserve side's win over a Portsmouth team that included former Hammer Svetoslav Todorov on Wednesday.

The second string won 2-0 and Roger says:

"It was a good performance and we had a decent side out with the likes of Lomas, Nowland, Mellor, McAnuff - what you would call senior players.

"Todorov played against us on the night, they had Gary O'Neil and Richard Duffy, their new young signing from Swansea - and a few others.

"It was good to see Toddy again, and they had about the same experience as us so it was a good game.

"The thing is, though, we had a young back four; Chris Cohen was left back at 17, Trent McLenehan is 18, as are Phil Lumsden and Darren Blewitt.

"Their strength was their forward line with Todorov and I was very happy with the way we played him.

"The senior players did what they had to do and showed a wonderful attitude - I always think it is good for the young lads to play with them.

"They look up to the older players and they did it right tonight.

"We scored two terrific goals as well."

As for Steve Lomas' performance, Roger says:

He is working very hard to get his fitness levels up, and he is looking good."

David Noble scored with a volley and Jobi McAnuff set up Neil Mellor with a header; both goals came in the second half.

The reserves have now gone six games unbeaten.

TEAM: Forde, McLenehan, Cohen, Noble D, Lumsden, Blewitt, McAnuff, Lomas, Mellor, Nowland, Carole.

Subs: Pearson, Reed, Carrick, Tattam, Parrington, Bunce.