Playing their first away game of the season, the Reds Reserves travelled to Manchester to face Woodley Sports on their artificial 3g surface and it was being unaccustomed to this surface that proved to be their down fall.

Failing to clear the ball first time and letting the ball bounce on the artificial pitch on many occasions cost them dearly.

Woodley Sports had two chances early on but wasted their chances as likewise did the Reds youngsters. Jordon Lee had a shot deflected inches over the bar, and it was the same player, after good work from Jake Smith, who miss-kicked his shot minutes later.

The lead was short lived though as three minutes later Woodley Sports were level as Sarcevic hit a sweet left foot shot passed Jolly to make it 1 - 1.

Jolly got the better of Sarcevic on 32 minutes as the forward was one on one with the Reds keeper but the youngster won the battle this time to keep Reds in the game.

Reds midfielder Adam Main picked up a booking just before the break.

Woodley Sports came out all guns blazing and had several chances which they wasted, but the sustained pressure was going to bring something for the home side and so it did on 66 minutes.

Again the surface played its part as Sarcevic headed home after Rutherford and Close watched the ball bounce over them and the Woodley forward was waiting at the far post and he made no mistake from close range.

The Reds young guns never gave up but poor finishing and the post saved Woodley Sports, Barry Armfield struck a 25 yard shot which deflected off the post with the keeper well and truly beaten.

On the 80th minute Woodley Sports sealed their victory as Sarcevic hit his hat-trick and seal the points as Reds youngsters came away empty handed.

 
The Reserves travel to Stalybridge Celtic this Wednesday and follow that up with a home game on Thursday 10 September as Bamber Bridge visit Borough Park.