Kenilworth Wardens Reserves jumped off the bottom of the Coventry Alliance Division Three table today after their first win of the season, against a strong Harbury side.

The build up to this game was curious, with home-side Wardens initially canceling due to a water logged pitch. However, late on Friday evening Harbury offered to reserve the fixture, leading to a Wardens side selected on availability, rather than anything else on such short notice.

Under the guidance of manager Ashley Clarke and club chairman Andy Whitehouse, assisting due to the lack of a first team game, Wardens set up with a low block, keeping their 4-5-1 shape and allowing Harbury to come on to them.

This worked well, with Wardens excellent organisational shape leading to long, hopeful balls forward from Harbury. These were easily dealt with by makeshift centre half partners Sam Taylor and Andy Legg.

On the counter, Dan Twigger and Guy Pearson looked dangerous throughout, leading to several half chances which just lacked the quality final touch.

Wardens nearly scored after 20 minutes, when a mazy run by Pearson led to Phil Rudd receiving the ball 15 yards out before he hit the post.

The ball fell to Alex Waters who, despite three attempts, could not turn the ball home.

Harbury's only chance of the half was an individual mistake by the otherwise outstanding Andy Legg who, under no pressure, passed the ball to the Harbury striker 25 yards out.

However, goalkeeper Charlie Shanks was quick off his line, making a really good save to keep the score level.

On 35 minutes Wardens thought they had taken the lead when Charlie Waters played in Dan Twigger, who ran past the centre halves from a much deeper position before hammering home.

However as the ball hit the net, Harbury's linesman raised his flag and despite Wardens protests, the goal was disallowed.

Half time score: 0 - 0

The second half continued in the same fashion, with Harbury having more of the ball but creating very little, and the away side creating chances but not scoring.

On 70 minutes, Harbury's centre midfielder received the ball out wide, beat two Wardens players before slipping his teammate in, who calmly passed the ball home. 1-0 to Harbury

Wardens, winless before today, could have been forgiven for letting their heads drop at this point.

However they came back well, with substitute Ben Edmunds off the left and Guy Pearson, who had moved into an attacking midfield position, creating chances.

On 75 minutes this combination led to Wardens equalising, with Edmunds receiving the ball just inside Harbury's half, beating several players before crossing to the back post to Pearson. He beat his man and returned the favour, crossing the ball across the six yard box, for Edmunds to tap in.

Five minutes later, Wardens took the lead, with Pearson receiving the ball centrally, drifting out to the right before crossing into the box. Edmunds rose above everyone and headed the ball into the top corner. 2-1 to the Reserves.

Wardens saw out the game professionally, keeping possession and not allowing any further chances or real attacks for Harbury.

The first win means Wardens are now off bottom spot, jumping to eighth in the league, finally getting the result that earlier performances had deserved.

The Reserves were aided by the fact that Bourton and Frankton, who were second bottom before today's game, were hammered 7-1 by league leaders Brinklow.

Final score: Kenilworth Wardens Reserves 2 - 1 Harbury FC

Kenilworth scorers: Edmunds (2)

Kenilworth Wardens are proudly sponsored by LPC Sports Therapy and Yoga.

Lead-therapist Lily is a Level Four qualified sports massage therapist and yoga Practitioner, specialising in anxiety support.

Lily is trained to diagnose injuries, rehabilitate, and is fully recommended by players of Kenilworth Wardens.