Monday`s Pre-Season Friendly Review....

By Steve Whitney

A round-up of Monday`s pre-season friendlies.

Vanarama National League club Torquay United enjoyed an impressive 2-1 win against a strong Barclays Premier League West Bromwich Albion side at the Launa Windows Stadium on Monday night.

Substitute Callum Hall put the home side in front shortly after half-time following a goalless opening period, drilling a shot into the net past Ben Foster from outside the penalty area.

The hosts doubled their lead shortly afterwards with another fine strike, Brett Williams turning Craig Dawson to get into the box before beating former England international Foster with his shot.

West Brom grabbed a goal back with 10 minutes to play, recent arrival from QPR Matt Phillips controlling a Darren Fletcher pass before scoring in style.

National League newcomers Dagenham & Redbridge won their last pre-season friendly 4-1 against Ryman League Premier Division side Hendon.

Leo Donnellan opened the scoring for the Daggers on the 16th minute after Christian Zapata`s shot was saved by Berkly Laurencin, the former QPR man was there to put the ball away.

The scoreline would stay that way until half-time, but the Daggers put their foot on the gas in the second half, and within minutes, Frankie Raymond made it two from the spot after Donnellan was brought down.

Micah Hyde made it 3-0 lead and just moments later the Daggers had their fourth. This time it was Zapata who fired home.

Aaron Morgan pulled a goal back for the home side with 10 minutes remaining as the game ended with the Daggers winning 4-1.

Ben Wright netted to earn National League South side Gosport Borough a good 1-1 draw with National League fancies Eastleigh at Privett Park.

Eastleigh took the lead on 41 minutes through Ross Lafayette after a good flowing team move.

But Gosport were determined to match their ambitious opponents and striker Ben Wright continued his superb pre-season with an equaliser on 47 minutes.

It was a goal against his former club and he showed his class by not really celebrating the strike.

Gosport`s new league rivals Poole Town suffered a 4-0 home defeat to neighbours AFC Bournemouth under-21 side.

Goals from Sam Surridge, Jordan Lee, Callum Buckley and Brandon Goodship were enough to secure victory for the Cherries.

Welling United, relegated to the National League South, won 1-0 against a Millwall team of reserves and triallists.

Mark Goldberg started Welling's final pre-season game with his potential strongest eleven.

And it paid dividends with a win, courtesy of a 19th minute penalty awarded after Harry Crawford had been brought down by Paul Rooney.

Sam Hatton stepped up and sent former Wings` loanee Tom King the wrong way from the spot.

National League North side Gloucester City were also 1-0 winners against League Two Newport County.

Ironically, it was former County player Joe Parker who scored the only goal of the game after 69 minutes to win it for the Tigers.

Gloucester`s new league rivals Altrincham secured their first win of pre-season with a 5-0 victory at NPL First Division One South side Witton Albion.

With Simon Richman, Damian Reeves and Andy Dawber tonight's absentees from last week's squad, former Alty Youth and Reserves' keeper Andrew Jones took over in goal, whilst there was a first appearance for the previously injured Sean Miller.

Sam Heathcote opened the scoring, as the game went into its 7th minute, with a firm header from a corner.

Craig Hobson made it 2-0 in the 42nd minute with a fine header from a Billy Hasler-Cregg cross.

Five minutes after the break, James Lawrie scored a fine goal from just outside the box from a Danny Hattersley nod-down and Jake Moult made it 4-0 with a well-taken rising shot from inside the box after 62 minutes.

And 9 minutes from time, Hattersley made it 5-0 when the ball broke to him after a Harry Cain overlap.

Where next?

Cresswell & Bird Join Spitfires Vanarama National League club Eastleigh have signed Northampton Town central defender Ryan Cresswell.
Two Hawks Become Tudors Vanarama National League South club Hemel Hempstead Town have signed former Brighton & Hove Albion favourite Jake Robinson.

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