The usual pre match routine of watching the opposition warming up, smashing shots at the goalkeeper and having a sneaky cigarette was observed on another warm day at the Bushfield 3G. It was a special day for Tony Harper who was released from the home for the day to be honorary mascot. (pictured with Daryl Patrick and Kev Webster)

Cardea handed debuts to Juliano Scibelli and Michael Moulds in the defence. The team made a slow start to the game and stand in keeper Adam Simons had to be alert when the Parkside striker ran clean through the middle of the park. It was a comfortable save in the end after Dale Moore got back well to put pressure on the shot.

Cardea grew into the game and thought they had the lead twenty minutes in after a Mike Dandrilli corner was punched into the net by Tom Rimes, however ref Paul Osborne was up with play to disallow it for use of the hand. Rimes was involved again five minutes later when he volleyed a ball back towards goal and it cannoned off the crossbar.

The chances were now coming thick and fast for Cardea with Michael Williams having a shot saved and a good cross from Tom Broughton was headed into the defender by Daryl Patrick for a corner. Another good chance came soon after with Tom Rimes crossing for Daniel Robinson, however all his luck had been used up for his goals last week, and he managed to scuff it wide.

The first half came to an end after an even final fifteen minutes and Craig Robinson made the subs at half time. Aaron Yeoman made his return to the team after going under the surgeon's knife and he was more than happy to start the game on the bench.

It didn't take long for the changes to take effect as just two minutes into the second half Daryl Patrick won the ball in midfield and put it on a plate for George Greetham who calmly slotted his shot past the goalkeeper.

Cardea were now in complete control and won a free kick on the right, it was whipped in by Yeoman and headed just wide by the defender. From the following corner George Greetham shot over.

Cardea won another corner on 57 minutes after another back pass to the keeper was miscontrolled. Tom Greetham took it and found a thumping header from Ryan Moore into the roof of the net. Moore celebrating by screaming "YEAH" in a really high pitch voice, which kind of ruined all his previous good work!

More subs were made in the 65th minute and just after Moulds did well to intercept a dangerous looking ball in the box. When the ball was cleared it was worked up to Chris Arnold who ran to the edge of the box and shot into the corner of the goal only for the goalkeeper to deny him with a good save.

With fifteen minutes to go a Parkside midfielder had a shot charged down by Rimes, however the midfielder took exception to this and flying head butted Rimes in the mouth. After the shock had cleared Rimes unleashed a volley of fists on his shorter opponent and the match threatened to turn into a UFC bout. Rimes and the Parkside player were subbed on the request of the ref.

Moving into the 83rd minute the ref awarded a dubious indirect free kick around 10 yards out to Parkside for a back pass. The kick was drilled towards goal however William was quickest to react and it deflected away for a corner.

The match was brought to a finish and the 2-0 score line maybe flattered Parkside Athletic Reserves but it kept up Cardea's 100% pre season record. More drama was to come in the changing rooms when Ryan Moore forgot to bring a spare pair of shorts and nearly had to celebrate his goal by walking home in his boxers!

After the match Kev Webster said: "It was a solid first half, the defence never looked like getting beaten. The half time changes made a real difference, so thank you Craig Robinson for his tactical know how. The game opened up and suited our style and it is another good victory against a team in our league."

Craig Robinson added: "At half time it was clear to see we were getting outnumbered so putting a third man in midfield enable us to gain control and it quickly paid off with the first goal.

"The defence kept it tight and the pace and trickery of Broughton and Drilli out wide always had them on the back foot. Tom G had a solid 45 minutes putting himself about.

"Pat on the back to Dan Robbo for doing us a favour and playing right back for the last half hour. Good header by Ryan for the goal and well done to the two new full backs."

The man of the match was awarded to Dale Moore for a solid display at the back and good organisation of the defence vocally, although Michael Williams came close to taking the honour. Also a well done to Adam Simons for keeping a clean sheet.

Cardea have a couple of weeks off from friendlies coming up but there will still be football for the lads with a couple of Powerleague sessions arranged for Wednesday at 7.30 and next Sunday.