An early set back for Town was cancelled out by half-time with a goal from Jonathan Loft. Racan were well served by a strong mid-field general, Maxime Wiotti, his blonde hair and orange boots seemed to be everywhere.

The pressure on the Pocklington defence ultimately led to three late goals for the French to clinch victory. The Town resolve was epitomised by central defender Nathan Smith who ended up in hospital with a knee injury which was not as serious as first feared, though he will miss the first game of the domestic season. The players of both teams were applauded off by a large crowd which supported a very competitive match.

The U13s encounter started the festival of football on Saturday afternoon. It soon became apparent that Racan had another strong mid-field dynamo at this age group. After ten minutes Antoine started a run from the left of the centre-circle and in Zidane solo style opened the scoring.

Steve Bibby’s team adjusted its game plan to man-mark this major threat from the French. The effectiveness of this strategy paid off when a period of pressure on the Racan goal resulted in a trip by a defender providing a penalty opportunity for Jack Bibby. He converted the spot kick to balance the scores.

Pocklington’s more disciplined approach through the second half produced goals from Sam Richards and two from Alex Schoneker to ensure a home victory.

The seniors game followed with an unusual look to the Racan XI having to be subsidised by six Pocklington guests. Three Peacocks, John, Martin and Tom, two Drewerys, Neil and James, plus Richard Stokes, all pulled on the green Racan shirt to enable the usual ‘friendly’ to go ahead.

Joe Cooney was the first to make a significant strike for the reds but his dipping shot hit the bar. Within minutes James Drewery proved his worth for Racan when he deftly headed on to Tom Peacock who confidently opened the scoring. For all their possession Pocklington could not beat goalkeeper Salvador Rodriguez until midway through the second half when a Baz Gargett cross from the left was beautifully read by Ian Serginson to score at the far post.With three minutes remaining a scramble in the Racan goal area was resolved by Mick Fox forcing the ball over the goal line.Racan proved their resilience with a minute remaining.John Peacock played a one two with Antoine Benoist and expertly lobbed the keeper to equalise.

The game now went in to a Golden Goal decider .It had lasted 14 minutes when Baz Gargett hit a tremendous left foot shot which keeper Rodriguez could only parry into the net.

By this time all the players were well please to adjourn to the bar and enjoy the hog roast. Three great games had been enjoyed by all concerned and a great vote of thanks goes out to John Green for refereeing so well.

Both Pocklington and Racan are now looking forward to planning their return trip in 2010.