Neville skippers reserve win

August 19, 2008

GARY Neville led Manchester United to what he hopes will be the first of several victories over Chelsea this season in a reserve match at Northwich this evening.

The United club captain featured in reserve-team manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's defence as he continued his recovery from long-term injury problems, while fellow international Ben Foster played in goal.

Neville was not called into the England squad this week, with head coach Fabio Capello allowing him time to build up his fitness at club level.

Chelsea's young side dominated the match and created almost all of the few chances, most notably when Foster held on well to Jacob Mellis' shot from the edge of the area after 59 minutes.

But United, also boasting highly-rated Brazilian twins Fabio and Rafael in their team, took the lead against the run of play just a minute later.

Danny Drinkwater finished well from eight yards following a ricochet in the Chelsea area.

Jeffrey Bruma almost equalised for the Londoners with 13 minutes left but Jimmy Derbyshire blocked his header on the line, while Foster also saved two more powerful efforts by the lively Mellis.

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Bradley (19/08/2008 at 10:25)

Nice to see Foster back in action, had an excellent game, looked far more assured than VDS against the toon. Could well be his season to make the break through.

tooth&claw, manchester (19/08/2008 at 12:18)

Wish Foster wouldn't always try to boot the casing off the ball though. It's a potent weapon when used sparingly.

Interesting to see the Silva boys as wingers in a five-man midfield. They didn't do much but they were game. Not sure what their fitness levels would be like after a year of not playing.

Talking of game, I'm beginning to warm to Eckersley. He's not got a great deal of talent but he likes a tackle, has a good engine and is tenacious in defence and going forward. There's raw material to work with there.

Tommy C , we remember, adelaide ,australia (19/08/2008 at 12:37)

Get used to it Gazz, you may have found your true level.

Red Afro, Derby (19/08/2008 at 13:02)

With all due respect for our captain, he may as well cement his place in the reserves as there is no way back for him in the 1st team.

chris spence, Altrincham (19/08/2008 at 14:32)

Red Afro and Tommy C why the derogatory comments about a great player, captain and reds supporter. We ask commitment and loyalty from the players and would have them thrown on the scrap heap without a thought. The same is true of the fringe players who come on and give a 110% like Fletcher who rescued a point for us. Should we have taken the same attitude with Solskjaer?

manc abroad, OT (19/08/2008 at 14:54)

The only way I can see him making it back into the first team is if Wes get's injured or has to cover for Rio or Vidic.

Could become club captain like Robbo while Rio is team captain.

by the by, what went on the pitch on Sunday ? Giggsy and Rio were having a right go at each other, with Giggs firing off a right mouthful !!!

Cat Stabber, Moss Side (19/08/2008 at 15:47)

the comments below are much more interesting and insightful than the above article.

Ed from Davyhulme, Manchester (19/08/2008 at 16:14)

Some unkind, and uncalled for, comments about Gary Neville here. People are quick to forget that GN was the best right back of his generation and still offers more going forward than Wes. I only hope that he can get his fitness level back to something like it was. If so, he will play more games than any other right back at OT this year and will regain his place in the England set up, where all those that have been tried in that position (including that naive-defending feller from City)since GN's injury, have been rubbish!!! Come on Gary - all true United fans are behind you 100%......

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