United took on Durham Premier League side Ferryhill Celtic in their first game of preseason after a 147-day break from action.

United had a strong squad of 19 players to choose from and started with a simple 4-4-2 formation

The match was even in the opening stages and the first real chance fell to Ciaran Foster on 18 minutes for United. Ciaran went on a marauding run from halfway and after beating 3 players shot at goal. The shot however was straight at the keeper.

Stu Bowman was called into action on 24 minutes when a shot from the right was fizzed at goal. Stu went down to his right with a fantastic diving save to keep the scores level

Just after the half hour and Ferryhill had another chance. The midfielder picked up the ball and United couldn’t get it off him. He escaped three challenges but could only end up poking the ball wide of the goal

United’s first change came on 37 minutes with Liam Coulson replacing the injured Gavin Foley at right back

The last real chance of the half fell to Ferryhill when a free kick on the right was met with a free header in the box. Thankfully, it went straight into Stu Bowman’s hands

Half Time – Ferryhill Celtic 0-0 Wear United

United made several changes at the break and changed to a 4-2-3-1 formation. Liam Robson, Luke Tate, Richie Morton, Kieran Peverley, Thomas Jobling, and debutants Tommy Butler & Dan Armstrong coming on to replace Josh Downing, Luke Higgins, Callum Hume, Ross McLagan, James Slack, Chris Sproat and Anth Young

Ferryhill increased the pressure on United in the second half and on 54 minutes Stu Bowman was again called upon this time to save a curling effort from just outside the box

The pressure told on 56 minutes and brought the first goal of the game. A good cross into the box from the right was met by Luke Tate attempting to clear it but Luke could only divert the ball into the back of the net. 1-0 to Ferryhill

A minute later and Ferryhill doubled their lead and again it came from a ball in from the right. The striker had too much time in the box though as he was allowed to control the ball before hitting the back of the net. 2-0 to Ferryhill

United made further changes on 67 minutes with Chris Sproat replacing Stu Bowman in goal, James Slack replacing Michael Walters on the right and Luke Higgin replacing Ciaran Foster at centre back

Chris Sproat’s first job after coming on in goal was to pick the ball out of the net. Another goal starting down the right which was shot at goal. Chris got a touch on it but couldn’t keep it out. 3-0 to Ferryhill

It could have been worse on 74 minutes when Luke Higgins bundled a player off the ball in the box and despite it looking that it was just more strength the referee pointed at the spot. The penalty though was smashed hard and high and it sailed over the bar

Luke Tate suffered a bad knee injury on 78 minutes and Ciaran Foster came back on to replace him – we wish Luke a speedy recovery

Full Time – Ferryhill Celtic 3-0 Wear United