The Bears took what is now becoming a traditional visit to the outstanding facilities of SCEFL Corinthian. The hosts had only lost out on promotion to the Bostik league on the last day of the season, and had the benefit of playing on tour in Belgium before their first home friendly with Heath. Not surprisingly Heath were on the back foot for the first ten or fifteen minutes and found themselves behind after Noel Etherington, making a welcome return after extensive injury pvralroblems, was caught for pace and the ball was set up for a finish that gave Conor Evento no chance.
However Heath gradually got to grips with the hosts 3 man central midfield and skipper Tom Howard Bold, himself returning after several months injured, and Andy Waddingham began to play. George Cousins who was facing a tough right back, intelligently started to drift inside and combine with Jamie Taylor. Max Howell also returning after a long lay off was also a threat down the opposite flank. Heath equalised just before half time when Cousins drifted inside, exchanged passes with Taylor and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.
Unfortunately Howell had to leave the game with a slight ankle injury, to be replaced by Renato Carvalho.
The second half was a more open affair with both sides having periods when they could have taken the lead. Taylor, who had already chipped just over the bar was thwarted by a defensive block and Fender couldn't get his shot away when in a good position. At the other end Evento did well to push a long range effort over the bar and then went full length to his right to keep out a fierce drive before somehow blocking a close range effort.
Heath went close when a cross narrowly evaded Waddingham at the far post and Taylor shot over. As the game entered the last ten minutes, the hosts match fitness began to tell and the Bears who were playing their first senor game for sometime tired. A slick move ended with the Corinthian striker giving Evento no chance from 12 yards.
Heath still had opportunities and Shergold fired wide when well placed but in the end the game proved a valuable work out for both teams and enjoyable for the crowd.
We wish Corinthian the best of seasons and hope to see them again next year.
Heath
Evento, Holvey (Smith) Etherington, Peters, Flack, Bold (Whitely), Waddingham , Cousins, Howell (Carvalho) Taylor(Shergold) Fender