And That’s A Wrap On Preseason…

Preparations are complete for the new season, which kicks off on Sunday September 8^th.  A summer of reorganisation has seen a new management and coaching team blending the existing squad with exciting additions, who’ve been put through their paces at eight pre-season fixtures, with mixed results.

United’s pre-season opener saw a narrow 2-1 home defeat to National Premier neighbours Plymouth Argyle but was soon forgotten as a hat-trick from club captain and #HerGameToo ambassador, Danni Wyatt, helped the side to a 5-1 victory over Honiton.  A perfect hat-trick followed in the 7-0 win at Weymouth, new striker Lucy Solloway scoring with her left foot, right foot, and then a header.  There was a brace too for Gracie Proctor.

The return trip to Argyle ended in a 5-0 defeat, United well in contention until the break, but eventually undone by the superior opposition, and it was a similar story at Exeter City, as United struggled to get out of the starting blocks, despite missing an early penalty.  Again, it was a solid workout for the new squad, and no shame to be well beaten by a City side who have already emphatically announced their arrival on the National Premier stage!

Between those defeats came a 6-1 win over Plymouth’s youngsters, and another hat-trick, officially attributed to ‘Triallist A’, since unveiled as returning favourite, Ellie Bishop.  Two goals in that one also for the versatile Alex Sheppard. Another tough workout followed as two of last season’s regulars, Anthea Kaptein, and skipper, Tracey Cross found the net in a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth’s Development squad.  Cross grabbed the equaliser heading home Sam Burnham’s corner with the final touch of the game!

And United rounded out their warm-up campaign with a goalless draw at Saltash United.

The Full Pre-Season Programme: