DAGGERS TOO SHARP FOR FLEET

WEALDSTONE lost a man and the lead as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to League Two Colchester United at Grosvenor Vale.

Midfielder Danny Green was sent off just before the break for a late tackle on Miquel Scarlett, but it was the National League South champions who took the lead with Moses Emmanuel tapping in from close range.

Colchester centre-back Tom Eastman headed in the equaliser on 52 minutes and Jevani Brown scored the winner just after the hour mark.

National League Dagenham & Redbridge began their pre-season campaign with a 3-1 win over Ebbsfleet United.

Striker Reece Grant scored twice in the final 15 minutes to round off a comfortable victory. Jamie O’Hara’s Billericay Town played out a frantic 3-3 draw with QPR at the New Lodge and NPL outfit Ramsbottom battled back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against Step 6

Cheadle Town.

In Manchester, Wythenshawe Town picked up the bragging rights over local and division rivals Wythenshawe Amatuers with a 3-1 victory at Hollyhedge Park, while in the south Basingstoke Town ran out 2-0 winners over Marlow.

Isthmian Premier side Kingstonian defeated Step 4 side Aveley 1-0 and Kettering Town triumphed 2-0 against Step 3 St Ives Town.

Elsewhere, Southern Counties East side Corinthian FC completed a 100 per cent record in pre-season with a 2-0 victory over Isthmian Premier Lewes, St Albans City came from behind to beat Barton Rovers 4-1, and Coggeshall Town drew 1-1 with Royston Town.

And finally, Southern Counties East Premier side Beckenham Town ran out 11-4 winners over Step 6 Greenways.