Manchester 62 grab first point

The second match of the national league was to also bring together two sides who have had a very different approach to the summer break. Manchester 62 have focused on delivering what is now their new policy to develop local youth football through its ranks and provide opportunities for local players.
A full home grown team was fielded for the match, possibly the first time since before Gibraltar United were taken over and changed their policy to include foreign players within its squad.
Although many of the players still lacked senior level football experience this attracted more people to watch the match with some 200-300 people on the stands on the day.
Boca Juniors Gibraltar for their part had to cope with a difficult summer in which only six players had been registered by last week, and the final team put together only days prior to the start of the season.
The club, who had struggled last season, were however, able to capture some important names with former Gibraltar national keeper Jordan Perez and defender Erin Barnnet joining them after their departure from Gibraltar United.
The experience within the Boca was to play its key role. Penning Manchester back in the first twenty minutes of play, it was only luck which kept Manchester from going behind on the score sheet. Some desperate last minute defending providing the last line of defence.
Manchester 62 youngsters were, however, to settle into the match and started to create their own opportunity. With both teams balancing out the match saw both teams creating chances with no clear team in control.
The lack of preparation during preseason for both sides was however to show as at one time four players lay on the ground being treated for cramp. Something which club officials expressed concern about.
The match was to end in a scoreless draw. Manchester 62 officials later expressing their satisfaction at obtaining a point from the match although indicating that “there was still a lot of work to be done.”
The club is expected to field new signings in their next match with both former Gibraltar national striker Robert Montovio making a return and Gibraltar youth player Kian Ronan awaiting the completion of the transfer process before being allowed to play for Manchester 62.
Boca for their part have struggled in recent weeks to attract players. They club is expected to see more players signing on within the coming days adding to the experience within the squad with a large number of players already veterans in the game making a return.