Weston-super-Mare AFC took on Bristol City FC’s U21s last night in a pre-season friendly that also doubled as a testimonial for legend of both clubs Ray Cashley.
More than 700 fans filled The Optima Stadium to celebrate ‘Cash’, a man who has represented both clubs over the years.
The Bristolian played in goal for The Robins during the 1970s and helped the club win promotion to the old First Division in 1976 before playing in the top-flight for a number of seasons.
After his professional career came to an end in the 1980s Cash went on to become heavily involved with The Seagulls, firstly as a player and then as part of the club’s commercial department, a role he holds to this day.
The emphasis was back on the pitch for one last time during Cash’s career though as Weston and City played out a tightly contested 1-1 draw.
It was a typical match up between a lower league senior side and a professional academy with City playing some tight, technical football but they were unable to deal with Weston’s physicality and fitness.
The games started with free-flowing football and it wasn’t long before Reuben Reid opened the scoring just eight minutes into the game for The Seagulls.
A long ball over the top from goalkeeper Kelland Absalom wasn’t dealt with by City’s centre backs and Reid used his first touch to control before his second deftly lifted the ball over Lewis Thomas and into the back of the net.
However, the goal forced City into playing some football and it wasn’t long before they replied.
After Weston were caught overplaying in defence the resulting City corner was delivered by ex-Seagull Omar Taylor-Clarke to the back post where Archie Taylor rose the highest to nod home from three yards out and level the score to 1-1 after 24 minutes.
After the equaliser the game was dragged into a back and forth, with both teams enjoying possession and chances to attack.
Weston signings James Waite and Ollie Chamberlain gave something fresh to Scott Bartlett’s side and the two linked up to produce a number of chances, including one in the 55th that resulted in a fine save from Thomas.
Returning striker Nick McCootie also came close after coming on in the second half, heading one rebound over the bar and putting another chance just wide as neither side was able to find a winning goal and the testimonial finished in a fitting 1-1 draw.
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