United’s reserves went to Worcester City last night and won 1-0, thanks to a strike from wunderkind Billy Beechers. Beechers had come on as a substitute for old man Oldfield with 20 minutes left, and he scored in the last minute.

This was United’s final friendly before the real action starts on Saturday, so it was good to round off with a win. The game included various points of note, including a start for new triallist Neil Barrett, formerly of Pompey. Unfortunately for Barrett he only lasted six minutes before an eye injury forced him from the field.

Also notable was Mark E’Beyer’s return to action after his testicular cancer operation. The auction kid replaced Jamie Brooks, whose own recuperation seems to be doing well enough, at half-time. Triallist Jude Stirling played for the full 90 minutes, while Oxford City youngster Gareth McCleary lasted until the 80th minute.

Meanwhile United have taken on triallist Rob Hughes from Yeading. He has been offered non-contract terms, but could feature as early as Saturday due to Stuart Gray’s injury. Hughes only joined Yeading at the start of July, having been at Farnborough last season.