Heavitree United 1st rounded off pre-season with a 4–2 win over North Tawton 1st on Saturday, in the first home match for the 1st team at Wingfield Park since the merger.
With the changing room ready, the kits laid out and Wingfield hosting the final friendly before the start of the Division 2 campaign, the Heavies could hardly have made a better start.
Within the opening couple of minutes, Way put Heavitree ahead from a corner to make it 1–0.
Moments later, Stewart played an excellent ball through to Cole, who beat his man before calmly finishing into the bottom corner to double the lead.
At 2–0 up so early in the game, Heavitree were enjoying plenty of possession and continued to create chances, but North Tawton gradually settled into the match.
Having won their league last season, they were always expected to provide a strong test and, as the first half progressed, the game became much tighter and more competitive.
Both sides had spells of possession and chances, but there were no further goals before the break, with Heavitree going in 2–0 ahead.
North Tawton Fight Back
The second half began in a similar fashion, although North Tawton started to become more of an attacking threat.
Following a number of changes from Heavitree, North Tawton began to apply more pressure and were rewarded when an opening appeared in the Heavitree defence, allowing the visitors to slot home and reduce the deficit to 2–1.
With their confidence growing, North Tawton continued to push forward and eventually found an equaliser to bring the scores level at 2–2.
It left the game finely balanced going into the final 20 minutes.
At times Heavitree moved away from the passing football that had served them well earlier in the match, with the game becoming increasingly competitive and possession changing hands regularly.
But with the scores level and the match entering its final few minutes, the Heavies found another gear.
Stewart produced a superb run down the left-hand side, beating a couple of players before finishing low past the goalkeeper to restore the lead at 3–2.
There was still time for one more.
After a further Heavitree attack saw a couple of efforts blocked and the ball break loose around the edge of the area, Burland arrived onto it and struck a superb volley into the bottom corner.
It was a particularly welcome moment for Burland, making his first appearance of pre-season after missing the previous friendlies through injury.
Moments later the referee brought the game to an end, confirming a 4–2 win for Heavitree United.
Pre-Season Complete
It was another useful test and another win to finish a productive pre-season.
There were plenty of positives, particularly the fast start and the late response after being pegged back to 2–2, while there will also be things to work on as the competitive fixtures begin.
Attention now turns to the Devon & Exeter Football League Division 2 campaign.
Heavitree United 1st begin their league season at home to Royal Oak FC 1st at Wingfield Park on Friday 28 August, kick-off 6.30pm.
Royal Oak were promoted from Division 3 last season and will provide another tough test as the Heavies begin their Division 2 campaign.
Please come along and support the team and the club as the new season gets underway at Wingfield.
Full Time: Heavitree United 1st 4–2 North Tawton 1st
Heavitree scorers: Way, Cole, Stewart, Burland.
