Ash United
The first fixture was played very early on the 9th July with what has become a regular pre-season match against Combined Counties Division One side Ash United. The Bears were missing at least nine regulars but that gave an opportunity for others to stake a claim for a place, unfortunately things didn’t work out quite the way we expected with a much improved home side deservedly winning by 3-1. Goal of the match though was from Broadbridge Heath, a superb strike from 30 yards off Piers McDermott’s right boot which flew past the Ash keeper before he could move.

Camberley Town
Match two on 20th July was an evening game away to Combined Counties Premier Division Camberley Town. The home side had a great season last year finishing third in their league and reaching the FA Vase Quarter-Finals. Despite missing his entire back four from last season Manager Steve Painter was still able to field a strong side and used 20 players on the night. The only goal of the match came in the fifth minute and what a well worked goal it was with Findlay, Moore and Andrade all involved in the build-up which ended with Moore crossing from the left and Liam Hunter coming in late at the far-post to steer the ball past the keeper. A good competitive workout for the players in an evenly contested match.

Guildford City
Match Day 3 was a trip to Bisley to play Combined Counties Premier Division side Guildford City. City have already been tipped by many as title contenders and based on this performance they will certainly be there or thereabouts come May next year. But it was Heath who took the lead on the half-hour with a move that consisted of at least ten passes before Piers McDermott’s close range finish. The hosts were certainly taking the game seriously and played it more like a cup tie than a pre-season friendly with one or two x-rated tackles that could quite easily have seen them reduced to 10. The equalising goal was scored 7 minutes before the end, another well worked goal and clinical finish and minutes later City scored the winner after a good move down the right flank, the Guildford team all celebrated by jumping on top of each other with the goalkeeper running the length of the pitch to join in the celebrations, very odd... In the final minute an off the ball incident resulted in much pushing and shoving and eventually a straight red card to the City fullback before the referee blew to end this friendly?

Tonbridge Angels
Match day 4 was played on the 27 July on the 3G at East Grinstead Sports Club against a Tonbridge Angels X1 made up mainly of players from their Academy but where the Angels lacked in strength they more than made up for it with their technical ability and they made The Bears work really hard for their 4-0 victory. Tiago Andrade gave Heath an early lead after 5 mins heading home a Scott Weller free kick. Shaun Findlay made it 2-0 5 minutes before the break with a smart turn and finish. Midway through the second period Ollie Moore linked up well with Tim Martin to hammer a right foot shot into the roof of the net and Moore completed the scoring in the final minute after good work by Jake Holmes down the left flank. An entertaining game for the watching supporters and a very good workout for both teams. Next up Waltham & Hersham FC on Saturday.

Walton & Hersham
Match Day 5 on the 30th July saw Heath travel the short distance to Broadfield, Crawley for a game on the 3G against another Combined Counties Premier Division side Walton & Hersham. A disappointing first half performance with neither side creating too many chances, the visitors did take a half-time lead with a shot from distance that went in off the right hand post. The second period continued in similar pattern with good approach play but no real finish; that was until Walton made it 2-0 midway through the half with a cross from the right that was headed in by the left fullback. Steve Painter reintroduced Holmes for the final 15 minutes and the striker immediately pulled a goal back with a well placed header and five minutes later he netted the equaliser when new signing Matt Sillett played the ball through the middle allowing Holmes to run through and lob the keeper, final score 2-2.

Chipstead
Heath travelled to play Ryman League Chipstead on the 2nd August, a good workout for the players against a team from a higher league and the only goal of the game was a penalty scored in the 50th minute, Ollie Moore almost pulled a goal back minutes later with a shot from distance that crashed against the crossbar. However the game will be known for other things as Heath midfielder Ollie Moore was stretchered off the field of play after challenging for the ball with a Chipstead player, Moore was later taken to hospital where he was diagnosed as having a broken cheek and jaw. Everyone at the club wishes Ollie a speedy recovery, he will certainly be missed.

Corinthians
The final pre-season friendly for Heath was a trip to Suburban League side Corinthians on 6th August. Painter took a squad of 19 players which in the brilliant Kent sunshine allowed everyone to have a breather. Heath led 1-0 at the break with Jake Holmes scoring from close range. The home side equalised just after the restart but minutes later Tim Martin on for the second half restored the Bears lead and the Heath striker added a third midway through the half. Another excellent workout for the team, the difficult job now for the Heath manager is to select a squad of 16 for the first competitive match at home to Littlehampton Town next Saturday.