Home | 11 July 2026
By | James Williams
Villa earn first win of pre-season
Hanworth Villa’s second pre-season outing came against a fellow step 3 side as St Albans City travelled to Rectory Meadow.
It was a bright start for Villa’s first half starting 11 and it didn't take long before they were ahead. A corner is flicked towards the far post and turned home by trialist to get Villa’s first goal of pre-season.
The visitors have their first effort just before the mandatory hydration break. Oliver Knight strikes a shot from the edge of the area, but the effort is blocked and cleared away.
Gio McGregor is the next to take aim from distance. Unfortunately, he can't get the curl he wanted and his shot is wide.
The final real chance of the first half fell the way of St Albans’ Kai Brown who spins and shoots from inside the area, but Tyla Dickinson saves low and hangs onto the rebound.
As both sides field a mostly new 11, St Albans create the first opportunity. The ball was cheaply given away in Villa’s own final third, but the resulting shot is brilliantly saved by the trialist keeper.
Just before the hour mark, Villa doubled their lead. This time, St Albans cheaply give away possession. Jack Timberlake tears down the left-hand side and unselfishly sets up Abdullah Selloum, who calmly slots away to increase Villa’s advantage.
On the 80th, A shot from Remi Onabanjo seems to hit an arm of a St Albans player, but the referee is quick to wave away the calls.
It was a strong ending to the game from the visitors and their fighting eventually paid off. Darion Furlong rises high to power his header into the far corner. A late consolation for the away side.
Villa’s will take on Fareham Town in our next pre-season fixture. Kick-off is at 7.45pm on Tuesday, 14th July.
