This was another solid performance from United and perhaps more importantly a test of their resolve which they passed with flying colours. 2-0 up and dominating proceedings some calamitous defending allowed Westwood back into the game at 2-1 just as United were looking to put the game to bed. Encouraged by this and with United still conducting post mortems all over the pitch the visitors had an unlikely foothold and almost immediately following the restart for the second half found themselves level at 2-2.

Its relatively easy to win from a winning start but the mark of a good team is how it deals with a crisis and this current United team are showing a resolve that may set them apart from previous teams. All three opening games have found United facing at least a mini crisis as games have momentarily turned against them but as in the previous two matches United simply went through the gears, that car analogy again! and produced another level which the visitors couldn’t match. There are bigger tests to come but United can gain much confidence from their opening to the season.

Another worthy mention, in my view, is the standard of officiating thus far this season which I think has been excellent in all three matches, possibly helped by a reduction in moaning and complaining which I think has been evident, I’m not saying there is no moaning or complaining but I think it has notably reduced and I am only of course talking from a United standpoint.

This column isn’t about individual players and I try to steer clear of using names as it’s a team effort, however it is worth mentioning new boy Joe Jarra who has added additional steel and guile to the squad while Surdariu Catalin really does look like he is going to make his mark on this season. A revelation in this current team is James ‘Namy’ Namyslak who has started the season with intensity, Namyslak has been an integral and effective part of this squad for a few seasons now but he really has started this season with a sense of purpose and long may it continue!

There were goals galore in the Premier Division yesterday, led by Woodcote Stoke Row’s demolition of Taplow by 9-0, and Mortimer felt the full force of the defending champions by being hammered 1-7 at the APM. Not to be outdone Highmoor Ibis United travelled to Woodley and smashed Woodley United Royals 6-1 as Wright & Unity Sports came away from Wraysbury with a thumping 4-0 triumph. Cookham Dean recorded a solid 4-1 win at Berks County while Wokingham & Emmbrook collected their first points at Newbury in a narrow 2-1 win. One wouldn’t normally expect such score lines in the Premier Division therefore I put it down to a bout of summer madness!

Wednesday evening United take the short trip across the river for the first local derby of the season against old rivals Cookham Dean in a match that will have an extra edge to it, not that one is needed! Both teams are nursing 100% records so on Wednesday something has to give in what is always a fiercely and closely contested match. Cookham will be mindful of their recent record against the blues having last beaten United in November 2013, however United will be equally mindful that anything earned at the AMG will be earned the hard way, as ever a fiercely fought encounter is likely and not for the faint hearted.

United’s newly formed reserve team travelled to East Berks League Second Division Champions Signcraft FC yesterday and came away defeated 5-2 with goals coming from Des Springer and a penalty from Ryan Lowe. The reserves make their debut in the TVPL Second Division next week when they travel to the APM at Mortimer to play Mortimer Reserves.

Next Saturday United entertain Highmoor Ibis United at Derehams Lane in a TVPL Premier Division fixture KO 2pm.