Division 3 champions Cardea FC could not make the big step up in class as Parkway eased to a 5-0 half time score, however the second half was a different story as Cardea fought back.

With goalkeeper Michael Creek forgetting to set his alarm for the 10.30 game Adam Simons had to take the gloves and go in goal. Joint manager Craig Robinson had to change his tactics to a 4-4-1-1 with Dale and Ryan Moore at full back and Tony Harper and Tom Rimes centre backs.

Michael Williams and Daryl Patrick were in central midfield and Daniel Robinson and Shane Cooke on the wings, Tom Broughton and Luke Penman started up front.

Cardea made a bad start and were one down in the first couple of minutes as a cross was sent into the box, everybody missed it and it ended up going in.

Cardea then had a good ten minute spell with Cooke forcing a save from the keeper and captain Patrick shooting over. Cooke was the architect for the Cardea chances as he also set up Broughton and Penman but they could not finish their chances.

Parkway then went on a goalscoring spree, scoring four goals in the next 12 minutes as the Cardea defence struggled to contain their premier league opposition.

Simons managed to keep the score to 5 as he produced a couple of great saves, the first with his legs to thwart a one on one attempt and then a great double save from a corner.

At half time manager Robinson changed the formation to 3-5-2 with Kynan Bereznyckyj and Gav Earl coming on for Tom Broughton and Tony Harper.

Cardea made a storming start to the first half with Robinson and Penman going close in the first five minutes.

The Cardea breakthrough finally came on 50 minutes. Left wingback Ryan Moore played the ball to Penman who found Patrick and he finished from 8 yards out.

Gav Earl's five minute run out came to an end as he was injured and couldn't continue with Harper coming back onto the pitch.

On the hour mark Cardea should have had their second. A great move sliced the Parkway defence open and Ryan Moore was in at the back post but fell over as he controlled the ball and the chance was gone.

Cardea did add a second in the next attack. Patrick produced a good turn out wide and passed to Robinson who played a great ball to Ryan Moore who tapped it past the keeper and slotted in to make up for his earlier miss.

The deficit was reduced to 5-3 a couple of minutes later. Cooke dribbled the ball out wide and crossed for Penman who fired the ball into the top corner.

Parkway then woke up and added a quick fire double of their own to extend their lead to 7-3.

Cardea grabbed another goal back with ten to go, Patrick played in Ryan Moore to smash in his second of the game off the inside of the post.

As the game entered it's final stages Parkway added another couple of goals to draw the second half 4-4 and win the game 9-4.

After the match Robinson said: "First half was shambles, we were miles off the pace and gave them too much time. 5-0 at half time was a fair reflection! We switched to 3-5-2 at half time and we looked like a completely different team, this is definitely the way we are going to play.

"A lot better in the second. The second half shape was right and we caused them so many problems going forward. 4-4 in the second half was harsh on us, I think we edged the second half! Special thanks to Simons going in goal last minute! Man of the match was Ryan even though he missed an absolute sitter."

Kev Webster added: "Today was our biggest test of pre season. It's been a tough pre season in terms of the games we have played. Results may not have been the same as last pre season but I feel we have become a stronger team in the last year. As a team we are scoring goals against some decent team.

"Yes we are only just keeping the score line below double figures but that's only when we allow them to impose themselves on us not us on them. The second half we showed up and played like what we are capable of and came out drawing 4-4 in the second half. If we play like we have been in pre season we have a good chance of winning more games then not.

"I could have picked easier teams for pre season but beating teams 20-0 is not going to get you ready for a step up in leagues. I've been proud of you all in the way you have reacted to the new challenge. The new lads have come in and proved worthy, the old faithful are still continuing to shine and step their game up.

"Let's not dwell on results let's look at the things we have done right and work on the things we haven't done. Today I was impressed with Tom Rimes who I thought was excellent, just beaten to man of the match by Ryan who again was decent and finally adding goals. Also like to add a special mention to Daz again lead by example and started off the mini comeback."

Cardea FC's next game is Sunday 24th August versus Bretton North End at Bushfield.