Kenilworth Wardens reserves played out a 2-2 draw with league rivals Balsall & Berkswell Hornets, despite leading 2-0 at half time, they were pegged back by a Will Simons double in the second half.

Starting with a 4-2-3-1 formation, Wardens dominated early, with Connor Ratcliffe and Charlie Walters doing a great job in pinning Balsall's full-backs into heir own half, frustrating their 3-5-2 system.

The reward came early as Eamonn Richard's pinpoint delivery was met by the head of Ratcliffe to make it 1-0 to Wardens.

Wardens deservedly doubled their lead when Richards hooked a cross come shot over the head of the stranded keeper from 40 yards out. 2-0 to Wardens.

Up until half time, Wardens could and maybe should have scored a third, with efforts whistling past the post and being cleared off the line.

Eddie Morris in the Wardens goal was hardly threatened despite Balsall taking advantage of the extra man in the middle of the park, and looked commanding under a barrage of long throws as the half wore on.

Into the second half and with a slight tweak in system to 4-3-2-1,the tide turned after ten minutes of Wardens pressure where the game could have been put to bed, with Richards having another chance deflected wide which was destined for the top corner.

After this, Balsall grew in confidence and had their reward when Will Simons bent a free kick around the wall and under Morris in the Wardens goal, who looked annoyed to have let the shot through for 1-2.

The lively Morris equalised not long after for Balsall, wriggling through three or four Wardens defenders before stroking the ball into the bottom corner for a deserved equaliser. 2-2.

After this, Wardens were forced to soak up pressure and defended strongly as their league rivals took control of the game. Morris made a couple of strong saves while the back line and midfield worked hard to keep the game level.

Archie Evans, the Wardens captain, whistled a shot over towards the end. As tempers started to fray in the heat, the ref called time on the friendly and the contest ended 2-2.

Despite letting the two goal lead slip, the reserves got ninety solid minutes of work under their belts and can take plenty of positives from the game.

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