Katwijk 1 United 4: Stopper turns striker as reserves go Dutch

FRIENDLY
August 6th 2009, 7.30pm
De Krom, Katwijk (Netherlands)

	–
vv Katwijk	1-4	Manchester United XI

Blonk 21	–	Dudgeon 46
–	–	Brandy 59
–	–	James 61
–	–	Heaton 75

 
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reserve side got the continental leg of their pre-season campaign off to a winning start last night against Dutch Hoofdklasse side vv Katwijk, recovering from a 1-0 deficit at half-time to ultimately record a comfortable 4-1 victory at De Krom thanks to second-half strikes from Joe Dudgeon, Febian Brandy, Matt James and sub goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who was pressed into action as an emergency centre-forward in the closing stages.

With United planning to attend the Wout van Overdam Tournament in Nootdorm tomorrow and a visit to Antwerp scheduled for Monday, United had tried for weeks to set up a friendly with a local team to continue Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s pre-season preparation. After talking to a few clubs, eventually a date was agreed with Dutch Third Division side vv Katwijk and Chairman Ton Berkheij was delighted to welcome the Reds second string to ‘De Krom’.

It was early in Katwijk’s pre-season so it was a good opportunity to test themselves against a strong United team. Katwijk are made up of a group of young players, many released from reknowned Dutch teams such as Feyenoord, Volendam and FC Twente. On a gloriously sunny evening, the ground was well attended by locals, enjoying a few beers and traditional dutch herrings!

The United teamsheet showed a player listed as number 18 who was a complete unknown, but without internet access I was unable to google search Clyde Buckingham at the time.

The game kicked off with United making much of the early play and having most of the possession. However, we showed little threat in front of goal, playing 451 with Brandy alone up front. Both Ajose and Stewart were disappointing on the wings and as a consequence Brandy was isolated. Hewson, Evans and Norwood were tidy in central midfield without really catching the eye, with Ollie Norwood being the pick.

Tom Heaton - warming up with little idea of what was to come... (thanks to Piet van der Plas for the pic)

Then half way through the first half Katwijk took the lead much to the delight of the home crowd. Katwijk had a free kick on the right about thirty yards out, and unfortunately Zieler was beaten at his near post to a low drive. It was a shot he should have saved and comes after his mistake at Fylde.

Immediately after the goal, the Katwijk team all took a drinks break….with the whole United team waiting to kick off. It was a funny moment as the Reds weren’t sure how long the ‘drinks break’ would take.

If the goal was supposed to sting United into action……then it was difficult to see anyone play the busy bee! The half came to a conclusion with both teams fairly equal although Katwijk had the all important lead.

Half-time: VV Katwijk 1 Manchester United 0

Apparently Ole was unhappy with some of our play and made numerous changes at the break with Dudgeon, Eikrem, James, Chester and Brady all coming on.

The new faces made an immediate impact with Joe Dudgeon scoring at the far post within two minutes. Already we had more urgency with Matty James picking up where he left off against Altrincham last Tuesday. He kept the play moving, always finding a red shirt and it seemed to have a more positive impact on Ollie Norwood as they both got a grip on the midfield. On 60 minutes Febian Brandy gave us the lead with a typical poachers goal in the six yard box after a great cross from Danny Simpson.

Chester, who took over the captain’s armband at halftime, was solid in defence and Joe Dudgeon offered a much more attacking threat next to Brady who was probing and forceful in attack. United were now on top and and two minutes after Brandy’s strike, Matty James scored our third with one of the most exquisite chips you will ever see. The home crowd knew they had seen a special goal and gave him a wonderful ovation.

It was at this point that we realised that Brandy was carrying a knock, his shirt almost completely ripped off his back…..he needed to come off. However, with no other outfield players available, up stepped Tom Heaton. Wearing the Number 19 jersey….and a big grin…..he replaced Febian after 72 minutes. Four minutes later, it got better when Heaton scored United’s fourth.

Then the great mystery was solved. United’s Number 18 was not an unknown trialist, but none other than our kitman Ian Buckingham. He came on for Stewart after 81 minutes and had a nice cameo for the last ten minutes or so.

Final Score: VV Katwijk 1 Manchester United 4.

It was a good run out for the Reds and another compelling display from Matty James.

After the game the players and staff spent time winning over the local fans signing autographs for all and sundry. Chairman Ton Berkheij was delighted with both the turnout and the game and is hoping for United to visit again next season, although there is no official tie-up between the clubs.

All in all a good run out and we can now look forward to the Overdam Tournament tomorrow.

Thanks again to Mr MUJAC for the match report.

 
UNITED
1. Ron-Robert Zieler
2. Danny Simpson
3. Oliver Gill (12. Joe Dudgeon 46)
4. Reece Brown
5. Scott Wootton (16. James Chester 46)
6. Corry Evans (c) (14. Magnus Eikrem 46)
7. Cameron Stewart (18. Ian Buckingham 81)
8. Sam Hewson (15. Matt James 46)
9. Febian Brandy (13. Tom Heaton 72)
10. Oliver Norwood
11. Nicky Ajose (17. Robbie Brady 46)