Selby Town 1-2 Northallerton Town
New Selby striker Kris Fawcett in action
Two headed goals condemned Selby Town to defeat in their opening pre-season fixture, against Northern League outfit Northallerton Town.
There was little to learn from Selby, who made plenty of changes throughout the 90 minutes. Headline summer signing Liam Ormsby was unavailable so Selby fans are yet to see their star attraction in action.
Wanted man Calum Ward did make a short cameo appearance in the second half. The striker is still on the books at Pickering Town, but is the subject of intense interest from other clubs such as Garforth Town and Selby.
Chances were limited as both sides cancelled themselves for a large majority. Damon Reaks broke the deadlock for Northallerton with a close range header which sneaked past goalkeeper Josh Archer, the former Glasshoughton stopper, on the hour mark.
Nathan Perks attempts to close down a Northallerton defender
Selby Town manager Nigel Emery (second left) watched on from his usual unconventional position behind the home dugout
Goalkeeper Josh Archer rises to catch a cross
Pickering Town striker Calum Ward turned out for Selby Town
Ward watches his powerful strike get turned away
Ben Ewart scored for Selby
Ewart celebrates his goal with Nathan Perks
Archer’s replacement Pete Lawrie was then beaten by a bullet Stephen Jackson header straight after the interval, which was supplied by a Northallerton free kick.
Selby did get stronger as the second half wore-on. Ward was desperately unlucky with a pile-driver that had to be turned past the post by Northallerton’s goalkeeper.
Young Ben Ewart eventually turned home a goal for Selby with 15 minutes to go.
Nathan Perks thought he had equalised for the Robins in the dying embers, but his close range drive was smartly saved.
Selby Town: Archer, Horsman, Gowan, Beckram, Lumley, Cusworth, Hope, Crisp, Fawcett, Perks, Lattimore. Subs: Ward, Lawrie, Thompson, Emery, Ewart, O’Neill.