As preseason comes into its final two weeks of fixtures, before the eagerly anticipated start of the Vanarama National League, let’s see how the rest of the league shape up after a busy midweek fixture list.
Leyton Orient look to be firing on all cylinders as the O’s see their goal tally hit the fifteen mark in just three games this preseason, four against Essex side East Thurrock United with Macauley Bonne with a brace within the hour mark before Josh Koroma added to their lead before more misery for the home side when Lewis Knight turned the ball into his own net.
The shots welcomed Oxford United looking to extend on the good set of preseason results Gary Waddock’s side have put together so far this season, however it was a reality check for Aldershot Town as the visitors scored two goals in quick succession before the break leaving the home side with an uphill battle, James Henry completed the scoring finishing and the match 3-0.
The team all Town fans have in mind are Braintree Town as we face them in the opening league fixture of the 2018/19 season, and the Iron came from behind at AFC Sudbury. The Suffolk side took the lead midway through the first half which kick-started the Essex side with two goals within a minute flipped this game on its head before the interval. Braintree continued where they left off with Reece Grant extending their lead before Mohamed Bettamer doubled his goal tally ten minutes later. As the game come into its closing minutes a late consolation for Sudbury eased the score line to a 4-2 defeat.
Brighouse Town faced another National League side after the Shaymen put seven passed their local neighbours earlier on this season. This time Brighouse face newly promoted side Harrogate Town who fell behind early on until new Harrogate signing Aaron Williams scored two goals in as many minutes for the Sulphurites giving them the advantage at the end of the half. Dominic Knowles extended the lead to 3-1 just before the full-time whistle.
World Cup England International Harry Maguire is back home and watched from the stands as Chesterfield Gainsborough Trinity where Maguire brothers Joe and Laurence faced each other. Zavon Hines, Gozie Ugwua and household name trialist scored before Laurence Maguire got himself on the scoresheet securing bragging rights in the Maguire family, well besides the fact Harry’s just come back from Russia. The game finished 4-0 to the National League side
A 7-1 win away at Maldon & Tiptree seen John Still’s Barnet finding the goal for fun, starting the goal scoring three minutes in. A brace from that household name Trialist put the Bee’s three up before it was made four thanks to Jack Barham before the half. The second started the same as the first but with the hosts finding the back of the net. The home team found the back of the net once again but the wrong one as Tiptree concede an own goal. A brace by Wes Fonguck finished the score line.
Sutton United visited Dorking and eased to a 4-0 victory courtesy of Harry Beautyman finding Charlie Clough and Jamie Collins to give Sutton a two-goal lead. Kieran Cadogan and a Dorking own goal helped seal the victory.
Eastbourne Borough suffered a narrow defeat to Ebbsfleet 2-1. The away side levelled the tie with a penalty after Darren McQueen opened the scoring 28 minutes in. Eight minutes from time the win was secured against the National League South side as Sean Shields bagged the winner.
AFC Fylde won 4-0 against Squires Gate as a squad full of new signings and trialists secure a win as one Trialist bags a hattrick and the National League’s last season’s joint top goal scorer Danny Rowe gets himself in on the scoring.
Shock of the midweek fixtures goes to Bromley as they defeat Premier League side Crystal palace at home 1-0. Super sub Kyle De Silva secured his place in the team come start of the season says Ravens boss Neil Smith. De Silva came off the bench to give Bromley the lead, scoring against his former club Palace and giving a deserved win for his current club.
A battle down south as Eastleigh and Basingstoke joist to a 1-1 draw although the National League side went behind due to a fabulous volley from outside the box, inside the opening half hour mark. Eastleigh chipped away until it paid off, finding the equaliser thanks to a Ben Williamson header in the opening ten minutes of the second half to level the game.
An end to end friendly in the Welsh sun saw Wrexham contest with Bangor City. The National League side led thanks to a Chris Holroyd goal, but Bangor levelled after 22 minutes. The game got entertaining as the hosts took the lead as former Wrexham player Alex Darlington gave the home side the lead. The 600 travelling fans looked to be going home happy with the win over fellow welsh side until Mike Fondop-Talom scored his third pre-season goal and snatched the win from Bangor.
Continuing their unbeaten pre-season is Dagenham & Redbridge as Peter Taylor’s side took the lead midway through the first half courtesy of an excellent Michael Cheek free kick but with five minutes left in the tie Diaz Wright denied Taylor’s team the win.
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