Town made the short trip to Buckhurst Hill on Saturday for their final pre season friendly before the real stuff starts.

For the third game running, due to a number of excuses, sorry I meant reasons, Town had a bare 11 including new signing Liam Murphy, and 3 youngsters who have come through the junior teams ranks in Brad Merrick, Ben Stone & Matt Macedo all of whom performed excellently - the future is bright.

On a hot afternoon, Town started well and were soon on the attack. Chris Headon played 2 superb inch perfect through balls to Ben Polley who just failed to convert either chance but was looking bright and lively never the less. New signing Liam Murphy in his first game for 2 years soon proved that he will be a real asset when he gets fit and chased and harried defenders and was a real handful. Both teams tried to get the ball down and play football and the game became an entertaining end to end affair. The Town youngsters all settled in well and performed admirably and it was nice to see their enthusiasm and willingness to get the ball down and play. Hill took the lead after 25 mins when Town failed to clear from a corner and the ball landed at the feet of the eventual goalscorer, 3 yards out, who scuffed his shot and the ball crept over the line, all a bit untidy,1-0. Town responded and with Mark Neal and Andy Allen providing a nice solid base, Headon was starting to orchestrate things in midfield.Town drew level on 35 mins when Headon & Polley worked a short corner eventually enabling Polley to rifle an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box, that flew into the top corner, 1-1. It stayed that way until half time although the game was soured slightly by an horrific challenge by a Hill player on Headon, who was extremely lucky to get away without serious injury.

The second half began with Town down to 10 men and they, understandably, started to fade a little and Hill who had the luxury of introducing several fresh players, took control of the game for the opening 15 minutes and Town found themselves under the cosh. Flighty, Ben Stone and Ready all defended resolutely and Hill only carved Town open once but fortunately (from Towns point of view) the Hill striker blazed over from close range. After 15 minutes of the second half, Hill deservedly took the lead with a 25 yarder that flew into the top corner giving Chris Neal no chance, 2-1. Headon came back on to bring the number back up to 11 but shortly after Liam had to give up the ghost as he was totally exhausted. Town were back down to 10 again,Hill very kindly lent Town a player for the last 15 minutes to even it up. Town tried manfully to get back into the game and with a bit of luck could have equalised but in the end Hill just about deserved their victory and the game was a very good work out for both teams.

Several nominee's for player of the match this week, the 3 youngsters, Brad, Ben & Matt all performed well and showed that the future is in good hands. Flighty was again excellent at the back, Polley was lively and looks a real threat again. It's between Mark Neal and Headon, Mark Neal just edges it.

El Col