Argo's handed debuts to several new signings including Steve Richardson, Pete Fowler, Matt Jodson and Richard Jeffers; all acquitting themselves well.
Due to the recent upheaval within the Argonauts Reserves and the clutch of new faces it was unsurprising that the home side were fairly unconvincing during the first half.
It was two goalkeeping mistakes that cost the Argo's dear. Goodchild flailing at a Fusion corner only to see the ball firmly headed home from close range.
The second arrived due to a lack of communication between Goodchild and his defenders, a Fusion forward pouncing and then rounding on the goalkeepers indecision to fire into an empty net.
A freak goal brought the Argo's back into the game as Jodson, playing his first game for the club, sliced a cross from the left which evaded both Argonauts and Fusion players to nestle in the corner of the Fusion goal.
HALF TIME 1-2
Holbrook and Babber entered the fray, replacing Jeffers and Rich Scott. Babber was to have an explosive impact scoring two goals to
put the Argo's in front. Babber's second goal owed much to the determination of Goodchild, released from the shackles of goalkeeping, who marauded forward before seeing his goalbound shot diverted into an empty goal by Babber.
Andy Heaven took over from the impressive Richardson at right back and it was Heaven's slip which led to a long-range Fusion effort that glided agonisingly over 'keeper Fowler. With little time remaining there would be no winning goal from either side.
Despite the relative unfamiliarity of the Argo's team and a fairly disjointed first half performance, the second half was highly promising and given time and the opportunity to gel the new Argo's may just rediscover the winning formula that almost brought promotion last season.
FULL TIME 3-3
Player Ratings:
Jordan Goodchild - 6 - atoned for his goalkeeping disasters with a spirited midfield effort.
Steve Richardson - 8 - strong & reliable, if this guy can get forward could be a perfect full back.
Matt Jodson - 9 - STAR MAN - Read above comment + ability going forward = perfect full-back performance.
Keith Bromley - 7 - As always consistent, though strangely subdued going forward!
Pete Fowler - 6 - Solid at centre back, slighlty shaky in goal.
Matt Scott - 7 - Tough in the tackle, dominant in the air. Not enough going forward.
Ian Jay - 7 - tidy on the ball, lacking in the physical exchanges.
Rich Scott - 5 - Flattered to deceive, lacks confidence in ability.
Shaun O'Keith - 8 - Always a threat, quick and confident.
Richard Jeffers - 6 - Worked hard but didn't threaten a goal.
Paul White - 7 - Seemed far more confident wide on the right. Lightning quick.
