United continued their preparations for the new season with a practice match this afternoon. The opposition was a team comprising players hoping to be given a contract by United, either out-of-contract professionals or hopeful players without a current club. Not surprisingly, given the circumstances, United won a game of three-thirds 4-1.

The scoring was opened after nine minutes by Lee Bradbury, who claimed his second goal in two games, after Chris Hackett produced a good cross. United had to wait until the third period before doubling their lead, this time it was Craig Davies who upped his pre-season tally to two after old-boy David Oldfield had set him up.

The team of triallists, and we don’t know who any of them were, then pulled a goal back before Steve Basham got in on the act with his first strike of the summer. Defender Lee Molyneaux completed the scoring to complete a satisfying afternoon. There is no indication whether any of the triallists will be considered for further inspection, but it’s heartening that United are at least taking the opportunity to look at these sorts of players.