Parson Drove manager Gary Haime takes positives from draw

Parson Drove joint manager Gary Haime was pleased how his understrength side dug in for a 2-2 against a hard-working Heacham team on Saturday.

On a hot, muggy day, Haime only had access to two substitutes while Drove's Norfolk opponents used several, meaning they had a lot more gas in the tank for the final 20 minutes.

Among those unavailable were ball winning centre half Dan Short, midfielder Jack Mockford and forward Jermaine Watson and, after the match, Haime said: "With us missing so many today and only having two subs, we did well.

"From a fitness perspective I'm pleased as at the start of the second half we were the strongest side, got the goal and I thought we might get another. Then we started to blow and they came on very strong. They hit us hard for the last 15 minutes and the boys dug in.

"On the ball there were periods when we started to play the style of football I want us to.

" I thought Gary Smith up front played well, and young Alphie Barrett came in and did okay in the middle of the park and Gaje Drew is showing encouraging signs after coming back from fitness.

"Adam Jackson is still a little bit off it - he is too good and too experienced not to come good though. We know what he can do."

Drove now entertain United Counties League Premier Division team Deeping Rangers on Tuesday evening and then travel to play Eastern Counties League Premier Division new boys Fakenham Town on Saturday.

"Fakenham and Deeping are both good Step 5 teams who will be good tests for us. Those games, with everyone available and fitness improving, will let us know where we are at a bit more," added Haime.