Town's reserves started their season with a 2-1 defeat to the MK Dons at the National Hockey Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. Danny Haynes netted for a young side which included trialists Ian Miller and Martin Brittain.

The home side went ahead shortly after the break through Joe Tillen, but Haynes hit back for the Blues on 56. Four minutes later John Hastings scored the winner after a mix-up between Chris Casement and keeper Andrew Plummer.

The game was marred by what appeared to be a serious injury to young defender Luke Webster just before half-time. The academy player, only just on as a sub for Michael Synnott, who himself had injured a wrist, blocked a certain goal and was stretchered off with what looked like a broken leg.

There was further injury woe for the Blues with striker Billy Clarke, who had earlier hit the bar, limping off at half-time.

His replacement Jai Reason, making his reserves debut, impressed, as did both trialists. Bury Town centre-half Ian Miller won everything in the air at the back, while former Newcastle midfielder Martin Brittain put in a number of excellent crosses.

Danny Haynes took his goal well, but had other opportunities which he should have converted.

Reserves: Plummer, Synnott (Webster 40 (Knights 43)), Miller, Casement, Barron, Trotter, Brittain, Moore, Richards, Clarke (Reason 46), Haynes. Unused: Fenn, Smith. Att: 285.

Photo: Action Images

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