Home | 25 July 2026
By | James Williams
Villa’s hit 5 in Penultimate preseason fixture
Michael Harding stole the show with 4 goals and an assist as Villa beat Welwyn Garden City
It was a lively start to this game and it didn't take long before the deadlock was broken. A free kick from Welwyn Garden was initially saved by Dickinson but the rebound was kept alive and bundled over the line to put the visitors in front.
However, the response from Villa was a rapid one. On the 6th minute, Michael Harding got Villa level after a cross into the box was put back across goal allowing Harding the tap in from close range adding to the lighting start.
On the 13th minute, Welwyn were next to come close. The Welwyn No.9 goes clean through on goal but with a lack of composure in his effort, he hits it straight at Dickinson.
An almost identical chance came just 4 minutes later. This time, Villa’s No.9, Harding went through on goal. Unfortunately for him, he drags his shot wide of the post. Two great chances for both sides to go in front.
Following the chances, the game settled down for the first time, but it wasn't long after the hydration break that Villa went ahead. Michael Harding does brilliantly to win a penalty following a splendid ball from Gates. Harding calmly sent the keeper the wrong way and send Villa into the lead.
A ray of chances for Villa followed but the most noteworthy came in the last minute of the first half. A through ball from Harding sent Gio McGregor 1-on-1 in which he easily slotted past the keeper and make it 3-1 going into the break.
15 minutes following the break. Harding had his third. Billy Nutbeam breaks down the right and squares it for Harding who’s there to smash in Villa’s 4th and claim his first hat trick in a Villa shirt.
Not long after, Harding's at it again. Haydon Vaughan slips it through to Harding who composes himself and easily rounds the keeper to slot into the empty net and collecting his 4th.
6 minutes before time, the visitors hit back. Sam Sesay fouls the Welwyn man in the box, with the resulting penalty put away to make the score 5-2.
That the last moment of the game ending a goal fest at Rectory Meadow.
Villa will travel to Ashford Town (Middlesex) in our last pre-season fixture. Kick-off is at 3.00pm on Saturday 1st August.
