Hall Road Rangers travelled to Easington United on Saturday in the first of their pre-season friendlies under manager Lee Hastings. With Hastings looking to evaluate the players under his charge this season the side consisted of mostly new faces looking to impress. Despite being 2-0 up after just 20 minutes quick fire double form Easington towards the end of the game eventually made the final score 4-3 to the home side.
Hastings was impressed with his new sides effort “An excellent workout for the lads today. With only five players starting from last season, the main objective today was for me to take at look at a large number of new players”

“Overall I was pleased with everybody's contributions, and as the games come along, myself and Dan will start to put some real shape on the team.”

“I am pleased to say that Luke Thompson has signed a form and is committed to the task ahead. He is an excellent player who will get goals at this level. The free kick he scored today and his overall performance proved that.

More positive news came in as other quality players signed.

“Ben Kinsley has also committed to the club, and he too was on the score sheet with a superb left foot volley.”

“After the match we spoke as a group about where I see us short and long term, and I'm confident with the response received that Hall Road Rangers will have a successful season.”

Luke Thompson got the scoring up and running on just 9 minutes with his free kick. Leighton Mathewson slotted home from the penalty spot shortly afterwards on 20 minutes to double Rangers lead. Easington were soon back in the game though getting one back on 34 minutes through Taylor and then having a second gifted to them through an own goal. Ben Kinsley restored Rangers lead on 60 minutes before a miscommunications between the defence and keeper saw Easington with a quick fire double to take the lead on 82 and 83 minutes.

Next up for Rangers was to be a trip to Appleby Froddingham however with Froddingham’s ground being unavailable for the mid week fixture Rangers may have to wait until their friendly against Westella Hanson on Saturday.