First-team manager Andy Ritchie was in attendance at the New Meadow as John Dungworth's Reserve side drew their opening Pontin's Holidays League encounter of the season against Shrewsbury Town.

Although the Reserves have a win and a draw in their first two games of the 2007/08 campaign, Ritchie was adamant the young players in the team use the step-up as part of a learning curve rather than focusing on the end results.

"We will be using the Reserve team to blood a lot of the older Academy players this term, in order to better prepare them for their eventual step-up to first-team football", Andy explained. "Results don't mean a lot at this level, although it is of course a positive that we've started with a win and a draw."

Town opened the scoring at Shrewsbury's impressive new Stadium midway through the second-half through striker Lucas Akins. The strong front-man had spurned an excellent opportunity to put the Terriers ahead minutes earlier but his impressive run through the centre of the home defence saw him beat the 'keeper easily.

However, Dungworth's men came under heavy pressure in the last 15 minutes and couldn't get hold of the ball properly, leading to a Shrews equaliser through former Town loanee Fola Onibuje.

Ritchie went on to mention Tom Clarke's performance in this match.

"Tom made another big step in his recovery last night as he played the full 90 minutes for the first time since his injury. It has to be said that he was excellent throughout the game and is in really good form."

Trialist Jamie Mullan also featured in the game and a decision on his future at Town is expected to be made tomorrow. Check htafc.com for the news as it breaks.