THE Old Stretfordians management team had to make some rather unusual changes before the start of this encounter due to the fact that keeper Anthony Hilton and the stalwart central defending skipper Daren Bell were absent due to wedding commitments.

It was left to utility player and normally centre forward Steve Poole to fill the goalkeeping crisis and for the other top scoring centre forward Thom Shannon to play in central defence.

This gave an extended run to new boy Steve O'Reagan up front and the reintroduction after injury to Old Strets Manager Lee Bickerton as his striking partner.

The new-look Old Strets started slowly but gained in confidence and composure as the half progressed.

The first half was evenly balanced with neither team causing much danger.

At the break and with the game goalless Old Strets introduced the rested Carl Dunning into the proceeding.

This proved an inspired substitution as Old Strets pressed forward for the opener.

Old Strets Paul Hulme surged forward with a jinxing run which resulted in Andy Callaghan's pinpoint cross being volleyed into the net from Lee Bickerton.

Strets pressed forward and were in control of the game at this point.

It wasn't long before new boy

Old Stretfordians ........3 Burnage HSOB ...........0