The Wardens Reserves left it late, but came from behind this afternoon to claim a point against a very strong Coventrian side

Already missing a lot of their regular players, Kenilworth Wardens had to play to the strengths of the players they had, which meant letting Coventrians have a lot of the ball, whilst trying to catch them on the break.

There were few chances in the first half, although Coventrians should have taken the lead early, their midfielder blazing the ball over from six yards after a ball came into the box from out wide.

Wardens held their shape and defended superbly.

In particular Archie Evans, who was asked to play centre half, was exceptional.

Alex Waters was also praised for his performance, putting himself about with a particularly hard challenge, leaving the Coventrian midfielder needing treatment afterwards.

Just before half time, Dane Watt, Sean Povey and Charlie Waters linked up nicely, leading to a shot which fizzled agonisingly wide; but it showed that the Wardens were very capable of creating chances.

The second half continued in much the same vein, with Coventrians dominating possession and Wardens looking tired in the heat.

Charlie Stranks was forced to produce some smart saves, and was certainly kept busy throughout the half.

He was however, helpless in preventing Coventrians taking the lead after the ball fell kindly to their striker 12 yards out, after an attempted clearance from a Wardens defender.

His calm finish put Coventrians ahead, and seemingly in control of the tie.

Wardens could have been forgiven for dropping their heads and giving in to defeat, but after a change in formation and bringing Chris Lewis on to partner Povey up front, they began creating more half-chances.

Povey himself had a shot on the edge of the area which sailed over.

Five minutes from time, Archie Evans won a free kick just inside the Coventrian's half.

Wardens committed men forward, a floated ball into the box was perfect for Dane Watt to place a header across the keeper into the far corner to score the Reserves' first goal of the season.

The Wardens managed the game well after this, and despite having less of the ball and chances, ensured they brought a hard earned point back to Kenilworth.

Not the perfect result, but great resilience shown on the first day of the season.

Todays match was sponsored by 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.