By Ben Thomas and Archie Tooth
USW 4ths cruised to a comfortable win against the 5ths in an entertaining preparation encounter for the new season.
It was a fast-paced start from both teams as they looked to gain early dominance.
The 4ths came close to an opening goal when Ellis Way played Sam Hill through on goal but Hill was denied by a fine save.
The only shot on target for the 5ths in the first half come from forward Dayron Gautheriot, his effort from the edge of the penalty area being comfortably saved.
The early 4ths pressure paid off as Way opened the scoring with a left-footed strike from the edge of the area in the 14th minute.
The 4ths should have had a second 10 minutes later. A miss-kick from keeper David Amey dropped to Hill, but he could only send his shot over the crossbar.
Hill was taken out in the box in the 26th minute by Tommy Goodman but centre-back Josh Edwards’ penalty was saved by Amey.
Pic: Callum Buckle
Way come close to his second in the 11 minutes before half-time when his long-range strike hit the crossbar before going over.
The 4ths added their second in the 39th minute as Toby Sutton’s low shot from the edge of the area went through a sea of bodies before going in.
There was an early second half flurry of chances for Hill who should have extended his side’s lead as the 4ths began the second period on the front foot.
In the 53rd minute the Bulchin-Love make it 3-0 to the 4ths,to take firm control.
The reds really took control of the match picking up another two goals in the 57th and 64th minute through Heasman and Hill respectively, with Bulchin-Love providing an assist and getting on the scoresheet himself.
Trailing 5-0 the 5ths finally opened their account soon after through a brilliant solo effort from Goodman, who beat four men and buried a long-range strike in the bottom corner.
Edwards made up for his penalty miss in added time by making it 6-1 to the 4ths, but the 5ths had the last word with a consolation from striker Gautheriot.