Report by George Dugdale

Raging Fever 1 Yellow Eagles 5

Two of Raging Fever's own played a part as Yellow Eagles avenged last season's defeat by recording a thumping pre-season victory. Key Fever midfielder Thom Airs played the full 90 minutes for an Eagles side lacking numbers, with George Dugdale abandoning his plan of playing 45 minutes for each side to answer the Sunday league side's call.

Fever's squad saw the return of Dan Pear, Theo Dominian and Joseph Willett, to join the regular squad members for what was to prove a tough pre-season test.

Yellow Eagles are preparing for their first season in Division 2 of the Autotype League, having won promotion last season and they looked to have carried that form into the new campaign as the Sunday side struck early. Having passed the ball into the midfield, defender Mark 'Sparky' Willmot continued his run to latch onto Airs' lay-off, before slotting low past Joel Harrison in the Fever goal.

Yellow Eagles' Thom Airs (who is also known as Raging Fever's Thom Airs when possible)

Things got worse for Fever as Eagles doubled their lead thanks to a fine individual effort. Having passed the ball well from the back, midfielder Chris 'Snowy' White found himself with room to advance 30 yards from goal. Opting to try his luck, 'Snowy' found it to be his day as his low effort fizzed into the bottom corner.

At the other end, Theo Dominian's pace was always a threat to the Eagles defence and Dan Pear was battling hard to try to stem the flow of attacks. However, they were powerless to prevent the Eagles extending their lead as Fever were stung by one of their own.

Fever regulars will know of Dugdale's lack of ability in front of goal, having seen him spurn numerous chances for the Oxford side over the years. However, every dog has its day and this turned out to be Fever's unlucky day. Breaking forward from a central midfield role that is not familiar to Fever, Dugdale latched onto White's cross on the edge of the home side's box before rifling the ball low to Harrison's right, just a week after notching his first of the season for Fever.

Yellow Eagles, a club formed by Oxford United fans, were stroking the ball around at ease and took a four goal advantage into half-time thanks to Ben Crawford. Harrison had already denied Robert Padbury, but was left stranded moments later as Crawford composed himself, before stroking home from close range with the aid of a deflection.

Fever had been run ragged in the first half, but were greatly improved after the interval. Eagles continued to dominate possession, but Fever were at least posing a threat in the opposition third. Pear and Willett began to link with Pat Wehmeier and James Longshaw on the wings, with John Matthews and Dominian seeing more of the ball at the top of the field. However, Eagles defence, which included Fever's WorldNET star Ricky Goodenough, stood firm to leave goalkeeper Andrew 'Molby' Hilsdon untested.

Eagles added their fifth of the game midway through the half after a strong run from Lee Rendell. The former Oxford City player raced through the midfield, before releasing Crawford on the right flank. The young striker took a touch before hammering past Harrison for his second of the game.

As the game headed towards a conclusion, Fever finally managed to break through the Eagles back line. A Harrison goalkick evaded everybody, with Pear the first to latch onto the loose ball. The midfielder didn't hesitate in thumping the ball past Hilsdon, who couldn't prevent the ball from hitting the net despite getting a hand to the fierce strike.

This was a good work out for both sides ahead of the new campaign. Yellow Eagles will be happy with their performance and the quality of goals scored, as well as being able to get some much-needed minutes under their collective belt. Meanwhile, Fever will come up against some strong sides this season and the second half performance gave plenty of reason for optimism. When returning to full-strength, Fever know that they will be a match for most IFA teams.

Raging Fever: Joel Harrison, Paul Lucas, Robb Milne, Nick Holloway, Steve Haynes, James Longshaw, Dan Pear, James Simpson, Nick Wehmeier, John Matthews, Theo Dominian, Nick Wehmeier, Pat Wehmeier, Joseph Willett..

Goal: Pear

Yellow Eagles: Andrew 'Molby' Hilsdon, Mark 'Sparky' Willmot, Alex Dawson, Ricky Goodenough, Chris 'Snowy' White, George Dugdale, Michael Truby, Duncan Howell, Ben Crawford, Thom Airs, Robert Padbury, Lee Rendell.

Goals: Willmot, White, Dugdale, Crawford (2).