Preseason Week Two - Key Matches
Southend united vs West Ham-
Southend united welcome new championship side West Ham united Infront of a busy crowd. Southend start out strong and after a dominant attack they find themselves with a penalty kick just 13 minutes into the game. Harry Cardwell steps up and hammers it home to give the Shrimpers the lead.
After the goal West Ham build a fierce attack off Jarred Bowen who delivers a well-timed pass into the box which is sent straight into the post. Both sides continued to create chances that challenged both goalkeepers. Bowen sends a beautiful ball into the box that is headed firmly into the net by Mavropanos on the stroke of half time.
Going into the second half it looked like there was going to be more goals all round, however they were stalemated at 1-1 even after both teams created many threatening attacks. This impressive display by Southend really shows the threat they are in the National League and even under new management they look like favourites.
Credit: West Ham news
Truro city vs Exeter City-
Recently relegated Truro city come up against local rivals Exeter city in a fierce preseason friendly that has the capability to blow up at any moment. Both teams send multiple long shots that challenge each keeper, but nothing comes from them as the keeps hold strong as the first half comes to an end. Yet again in this preseason week a big defensive error leads to a penalty being awarded for Truro city. Tyler Harvey steps up and effortlessly sends the keeper the wrong way giving Truro the lead.
Truro remains strong in defence and see Exeter out, even after a lovely header in the dying minutes of the game is denied by the keeper. This impressive victory for Truro should fill the fans with hope for promotion back into the National League next season.
Credit: Truro City FC
Spennymoor Town vs Hartlepool-
National league North side Spennymoor town face Hartlepool at home. Both teams are hoping for impressive seasons in their respective leagues, and this preseason will aid both sides in the future.
We start in the second half after an uneventful first half sees the score at 0-0. Spennymoor strike first in the 53rd minute after a darting run by Bennett is picked out and sent home making it 1-0 to the home side after a super lob shot. Hartlepool answer fast sand star player Jack Nolan scores a stunning goal from outside the box to level the teams. Things just kept getting worse for the moors as a penalty is awarded to Hartlepool in the 80th minute. Yet again Jack Nolan delivers with a thunderous strike into the top corner sealing the victory for Hartlepool.
Credit: Spennymoor Town