The RAF Senior Representative Team put in a very encouraging performance at Southern League Premier Division outfit Chesham United despite losing 2-0.
The home side put out a very strong team in the first half and took a 1-0 lead after 14 minutes through Chris Bangura's close range effort after the RAF failed to clear an initial corner.
The RAF, fielding a mixture of experienced senior players and younger fringe players settled and rallied well with SAC Neil Thomas and SAC Paul Miller both going close with thunderous efforts.
A Dave Fotheringham lob over RAF goalkeeper Cpl Baz Whitelam doubled the home sides lead in the 35th minute but Chesham had to work hard to preserve their lead as the RAF battled hard, kicking down the slope in the second half.
Some 24 RAF players were in the training squad at RAF Halton ahead of this fixture. Manager Sgt Nick De-Long is pleased with the progress and build up to this seasons Inter-Service fixtures which take place in March and which the RAF are looking to retain for a fourth consecutive year.
Highlights of the game and post match interview with Manager Sgt Nick De-Long can be accessed via the right hand side link.
RAF Team
1. Cpl Baz Whitelam (MOD St Athan)
2. Cpl Danny Bartley (RAF Northwood)
3. SAC Johny Jordan (RAF Brize Norton)
4. SAC Carl Evans (RAF Brize Norton)
5. SAC Emyr Williams (RAF Brize Norton)
6. Cpl Dyfan Pierce (MOD St Athan)
7. SAC Neil Thomas (MOD St Athan) Capt
8. SAC Scott Lawrie (RAF Kinloss)
9. SAC Paul Miller (RAF Kinloss)
10. Cpl Steve Norton (RAF Waddington)
11. Cpl Andrew Babbs (RAF Boulmer)
Subs (all used)
12. SAC Adam Lillis (RAF Leeming)
14. SAC Johny Horne (RAF High Wycombe)
15. Cpl Chris West (RAF Cosford)
16. SAC Kev Gilbert (RAF Cottesmore)
17. Cpl Dean Thomas (RAF Northwood)
18. SAC Lewis Brownhills (RAF Benson)
19. Cpl Alex Woodhouse (RAF Cosford)
22. SAC Luke Fish (RAF Marham)