After last week's cancelled fixture and a blank week next week, the Men's 2s were delighted to have a much needed friendly against Keele University BUCS team.

The short trip to Keele University led to a rewarding fixture, played in excellent spirit by both sides, which acted as a highly beneficial friendly for all involved.

North Staffs started the game on top, dominating both possession and territory for much of the opening minutes, but it was the hosts Keele who took the lead as they finished an incisive breakaway to take the lead against the run of play.

The visitors were regularly threatening through the reteurnign duo of Stewart Morton and Jamie Shaw, and equalised just before the end of the first quarter as captain Dave Washington bundled in from close range.

Throughout the second and third quarters, North Stafford controlled the majority of the game, and Keele were hindered further by an injury to their most threatening forward who had opened the scoring. Jim Venn proved his normal creative self down the right wing, with Jake Maddock and Ben Read driving forward from midfield regularly.

Despite this a number of chances came and went, with Keele showing resolute defence and their goalkeeper making a number of excellent saves when required.

Eventually the breakthrough and winning goal came in the fourth quarter, when Ben Read converted a short corner with a low and powerful drag flick into the bottom right corner.

Keele tried to push for an equaliser and had a better period of play in the closing minutes, but John Minshall remained untroubled in goals as his defence controlled by Dan Read and Rich Halket protected him excellently.

Final score North Stafford 2 - 1 Keele University in an excellent fixture.