Free-scoring title challengers are ready for a step up in class

Football - Reserve team have won last three games by an aggregate of 28-0

Peterborough Sports Reserves’ manager Andrew Bradley admits an aggregate winning margin of 28-0 in the last three competitive matches is not ideal preparation for a clash of the Peterborough Premier Division titans on Saturday. But Bradley is confident his experienced side will take the huge step up in class in their stride when they visit the home of unbeaten leaders, and reigning champions, Moulton Harrox.

Sports warmed up for the big game with an 8-0 win at bottom club Thorney. They also beat the same opponents in the President’s Shield 7-0 a week after thrashing Uppingham13-0inatop-flightmatch.

“To be honest we should have s c ored more goals against Thorney,” Bradley insisted.“Wemissedanawfullot of chances.

“The last three matches have not been a lot of fun in some respects and they’ve not been ideal preparation for a tough game at Moulton Harrox, butI haveaveryexperienced squadthis seasonand I am confident they will performwell in the bigger games.

“Wemadesome good signings in the close season with the intention of having a good go at winning the league and thesearethegamesweneedto performinif wearetoachieve our ambition.”

Carl Bird(2), Rikki Goodale (2), Gerard Evans, Liam Merryweather, Gary Gibbs and Karl Gibbs scored the Sports’ goals last weekend. Goodale and Bird are two of the summerrecruitswhileKarlGibbs’ demotion from the all-conquering first- team squad meansthereserveshavesome serious firepower.

Moultonhadtocomefrom behind to beat Deeping Rangers 2-1 last weekend. They are seven points ahead of fifthplacedSports, butthecityside have two games in hand.

AFC Stanground are the surprise Premier Division package this season. They are uptothird - Netherton United are second - after a 2-0 win at Uppingham secured by goals from Chris Brown and Dan Stephens.

Karl Gibbs (blue) is a big presence in the Peterborough Sports Reserve team squad.