Waltham Abbey gave National League South side St Albans City a run for their money but ultimately came up short to lose 6-2 at Capershotts on Saturday.

Matty Attard equalised for the Isthmian Division One North side after the visiting Saints had gone in front.

Midfielder Darelle Russell got one back for Abbey at 3-1 to keep the contest interesting before the Saints exerted their superiority by running in three second-half goals.

Redbridge came from behind to draw 2-2 at Tower Hamlets on Monday evening.

Waltham Forest continued their pre-season preparations on Saturday with a hard-fought 5-4 win over the Arsenal Community Staff XI at Wadham Lodge.

Meanwhile, Lodge were beaten 3-0 by Hoddesdon Town on Tuesday evening – an unwelcome response following Saturday’s 5-3 loss against Broxbourne Borough after which coach Neil Day said managing expectations would be key this season.

"(Manager) Tony (Ievoli)  and myself's brief is to consolidate our status in the Essex Senior League this season, with that overview it is pointless reading too much good or bad into any pre season results. 

"Win or lose we can't get carried away by one result, it's a long season and success will be judged by where we finish next April. We are a newly promoted team with no budget and limited crowd base so it's important the expectation is set at an achievable level."

Whilst Wadham looked good going forward, some sloppy defending cost them dear against a competent Broxbourne team.

"Take out the goals we gifted them and the game was pretty even, they have a fairly settled side and are tipped to do well which puts the result into a little more context," added Day.

"We know there's plenty to work on but there's positives and talent as well so there's definitely plenty of optimism around the squad."