Hadlow United Vrs Cross Keys

24th August 2003 (Pre-Season Friendly)

United finished their pre-season schedule with a convincing victory over fellow division 5 competitors Cross Keys.  Watching from the side lines  were the departing Cooper and Bridges and their replacements didn't do any harm at all.  The only set back was the injury Walsh who had to retire midway through the 1st half and is a doubt for Hadlow's opener next week.  Garside was drafted into the middle of the park in the absence of the injured Twocock and the holidaying Rob Harvey, and with Leach formed an unlikely but formidable partnership.  At times United pushed the ball around confidently as they continue to get used to the new pitch.  Betts was in dominant mood at the back and swept up every attack with graceful defending.  Carlton put in a decent shift and was his ever terrier like self.  Woody was drafted in to the back four after Walsh's injury and staked a massive claim for the vacant left back position.

United got the ball rolling when Garside played a neat one two with two with Excell after breaking up an attack in midfield, Excell floated a ball into the area towards the on-rushing Smith-Foreman but the keeper got there first but fumbled leaving Smith Foreman with a simple task.  Excell doubled the lead a few minutes later after pouncing on a defensive error, and with Webb in destructive mood upfront laid on an open goal for Dan Race. Leach completed the 1st half scoring after being put through by Excell he executed a marvelous curling shot that went in off of the far post.  United made plenty of chances and should have probably been a couple of more goals to the good.

In the second half Muir was introduced and Hadlow constantly posed a threat down the flanks, with Cross Keys deflated United stroked the ball around comfortably.  Smith-Foreman added his second to complete a good days work down the right flank after blasting home a loose ball from the edge of the area, Dave Carlton got one for the scrap book after he slotted home from a corner.  The goal of the game came after Garside made amends for two glaring misses with a drive from outside the box which flew into the top corner leaving the goalkeeper helpless after a good run from Muir. 

A win that will wet the appetite for next week's opening league encounter with Tonbridge Town.