Two friendlies in two days has seen a new Town star emerge: Nabil Abidallah. In last night’s 3-0 win at Colchester the Dutchman, in a twenty-five minute spell as sub, showed he had skills aplenty with fans tagging him Kieron, a player he resembles both in appearance and playing style. In this afternoon’s game at Heybridge Swifts’ Scraley Road he was once again impressive and set up both Town goals in a 2-2 draw.
The game at Layer Road was a good run-out for Town. Goals from Fabian Wilnis, David Johnson and Marcus Stewart took Town to victory in a keenly fought context. Unfortunately Town added to their increasing injury list when Gary Croft went off in the fifteenth minute. Wright (Branagan 66), Wilnis, Croft (Friars 15), Thetis (Miller 66), Bramble, Brown, Magilton, Holland, Johnson, Stewart (Logan 75), Reuser (Abidallah 66).
Heybridge saw Town play a very young side with only Tony Mowbray and Mark Venus from the first team on show. Town went ahead in the 22nd minute when a good cross from Abidallah playing down the right allowed Logan to score. The Dutchman was behind Town’s second eleven minutes later. He received a ball from Sean Friars and crossed for Neil Midgley to glance a header home. The Essex side scored two goals in the second half, however the blues had made several subs by that stage.