Hadlow United Vrs Grovesnor Dynamos 

17th August 2003 (Pre-Season Friendly)

After last weeks workout against 1st division opposition United faced Grovesnor Dynamos from division 7.  The clubs met twice last year with Utd claiming 6 points. Grovesnor Dynamos lined up with a lot of new faces and shell shocked Utd by taking a 2-0 lead within the first 10 minutes.  Hadlow were at fault for some terribly lapse defending and Dynamos took full advantage.  With Hadlow trying out a 4-4-2 formation the large pitch, which they will have to get used to, seemed to leak gaps everywhere.  After a steady passage of calming football where United began to pop the ball around and confidence increased and with Leach in inspiring form pulled one back through Excell after a tremendous run from Leach.  United drew level a few minutes later when Webb finished off a beautiful move down the left flank.

After the break Hadlow were more established and seemed to have got to grips with the new formation.  Leach added a peach of a free-kick to make it 3-2 and Harvey slammed home after the keeper repelled Excell's shot.  Webb was guilty of a glaring miss, the big striker made his way through the opposition before rounding the keeper and coming back for another go, he eventually got his shot away only to see it hit the post from 3 yards (Ronny Rosenthal... nowhere!) Garside hit a good effort to make it 5 in the last 15 minutes and substitute Phil Betts scored the goal of the game after taking the ball on his thigh turned the defender and hit a stunning volley into top corner from 20 yards.

The only injury worry came when new goalkeeper was replaced by Bridges after suffering a damaged eye, but he is expected to be fit for next week as United prepare for the new campaign in division 5.