Town's first team began their pre-season programme with a 1-0 loss against AaB Aalborg in Frederikshavn this evening. Town were always the second best side, although the match was lost early on when Martijn Reuser volleyed a cross past Andy Marshall.

Town lined-up without Mark Venus (knee), Pablo Couñago (groin), Finidi George (hamstring), Darren Bent (toe) and Alun Armstrong who was rested after his recent back problems.

The game got off to a goal-scoring start when Martijn Reuser, uncharacteristically back in his own area, tried to cut-out a cross from Jepsen but merely sent it beyond a surprised looking Andy Marshall.

The home side went close to a second just before the half hour when a freekick was headed across goal with no AaB player getting the vital contact.

The Danish season starts two weeks before Town's and the greater fitness of the home side was evident throughout. Despite forcing a number of corners Town's first serious shot on goal came in the 31st minute when Jamie Clapham drove a shot just wide of the post.

Town made a couple of changes at half-time, introducing youngster Darren Ambrose and Frenchman Ulrich Le Pen, however, despite these and later subs, the Danish side remained on top.

Town found it hard to keep possession and rarely threatened, although Marcus Bent was always busy in attack.

Andy Marshall impressed in the Town goal with a couple of identikit saves from Estonian Indrek Zelinski and a fine tip over after another Estonian, Oper, had cut inside and hit a powerful shot.

Town's former Aalborg player Thomas Gaardsøe received a warm reception from his old supporters, but was surprisingly a sub, replacing John McGreal after he was injured by a Stefan Schmidt foul. The Town central defender was carried off with what looked like an ankle injury while the Aalborg player received the game's only yellow card.

A difficult game as a first pre-season match with Aalborg impressive and looking by far the fitter side. Their fans were impressed with the way they acquitted themselves and hope to do better than the fourth place they achieved in the Superliga last season.

Town: Marshall, Makin (Wilnis 60), Clapham, McGreal (Gaardsøe 60), Brown, Magilton, Wright (Ambrose 46), Miller, Stewart (Naylor 54), Bent, Reuser (Le Pen 46).

Photo: Action Images

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