Nathan Trott and his AFC Wimbledon teammates were just edged out by an impressive Kaiserslautern side in a well-contested pre-season friendly at Arena Weingarten.
A 23rd minute strike from Andri Runar Bjarnason ultimately proved to be the difference as Kaiserslautern triumphed 1-0.
Heavy downpours before kick-off resulted in players from both sides temporarily taking shelter under the stands. The first chance came in the seventh minute when Florian Pick marched through on goal after a good move, but Trott pulled off a fine save to keep Wimbledon level.
Wimbledon attacks were few and far between in the first-half and it was no surprise when Kaiserslautern marched into the lead in the 23rd minute. A cross from the left flank by Pick was not dealt with to give Bjarnason a chance from close-range and he made no mistake.
Kaiserslautern remained a threat on the break and Trott did well to deny Phillip Hercher and Kevin Kraus.
DANTE LEVEROCK
Dante Leverock was sent off late in Sligo Rovers 0 – 0 draw with Waterford in the Ireland Premier Division.
Sligo Rovers had a penalty saved in the 20th minute and then in the 22 minute Leverock was booked for a foul near the box. In the 35th minute Leverock had a header go just over the bar.
But in the 86th minute, Leverock was sent off for a second yellow card offense.
REGGIE LAMBE
Reggie Lambe and his Cambridge United teammates drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest U23s in the U’s second pre-season friendly, hosted at the Championship side’s training facility.
With the score deadlocked at 2 – 2, Lambe went within millimeters of restoring the U’s lead on the end of a cleverly played short corner, which resulted in the Bermudian striking a venomous effort on the half volley from 20 yards which whistles over the top of the crossbar.
It proved to be as close as either side came to a winner.
MILAN BUTTERFIELD & KNORY SCOTT
Milan Butterfield, Knory Scott and their Kidderminster Harriers teammates continued pre-season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against League 1 Bristol Rovers.
Ashley Chambers had Kidderminster ahead at the break with a well-taken goal, with Tom Nichols scoring an equalizer for Bristol Rovers at the end.
In the 28th minute, Chambers played in Butterfield with Bristol Rovers goalkeeper Jakola on hand to deny the Bermudian International.
Butterfield found room on the edge of the area before shooting wide near the hour, Scott entered the game three minutes later.
With the entire outfield consisting of players to have played, or be playing, in the Harriers Academy, the finish was a tough work-out for the Aggborough youngsters but they showed their own mettle superbly, blocking and tackling their way to a deserved draw.
OSAGI BASCOME - TEVAHN TYRELL – JUSTIN DONAWA
Osagi Bascome, Tevahn Tyrell, Justin Donawa and their Darlington teammates produced another promising performance, particularly in the second half, when they were beaten 2 – 1 by Harrogate Town at Wetherby Road.
Darlington worked hard throughout the game, and they caused Harrogate several problems in the last 25 minutes as they maintained a fast tempo.
The Bermuda trio started on the bench, but were introduced late in the match as Darlington made several changes, and trialist Donawa showed plenty of promise when he came on.
