Hallam’s pre-season has now come to an end, after a 2-1 loss against Cleethorpes earlier today.

Craig Denton’s squad started very strongly with a 3-0 win against Tadcaster Albion; Brandon Bradbury, Brodie Litchfield and Calum Ward getting the goals.

The weekend after saw the Countrymen suffer their first loss at the hands of AFC Mansfield, before back-to-back local away trips.

The weekend after saw the Countrymen suffer a tight 1-0 loss at the Forest Town Arena against AFC Mansfield, before back-to-back local away games.

The first, against Handsworth, saw Alex Troke’s first and only goal for Hallam, before leaving the same summer he joined due to work commitments. Hallam won this game 2-0, thanks to a Handsworth own goal doubling their lead.

The second was against local rivals Sheffield FC at the Home of Football Stadium. The home side took an early lead through Cameron Bedford, before Litchfield equalised half an hour into the game. Sam Greenhouse regained their lead, but, with one of the last kick’s of the game, captain Danny South bundled the ball over the line to take the game to penalties. Hugo Warhurst saved and scored the winner in the shootout, winning the Alan Cooper Memorial Trophy for Hallam.

The next game was a rematch of last season’s cup final against Worksop Town, with the Tigers once again winning 2-1. Ward took the Countrymen into the lead early on, getting his second of pre-season, taking him joint top-scorer with Litchfield.

Then, as aforementioned, Hallam lost 2-1 to Cleethorpes to conclude their pre-season. The Countrymen took the lead on the stroke of half-time through defender Jamie Sharman, before Josh Walker equalised for the hosts in the 57th minute, and Ben Andreucci gave the Owls a winner with 15 to go.

Hallam were scheduled to have two games at Sandygate as part of their season preparations, but opponents could not be found.

Trialists could be found at many games, trying to showcase their skills in the off-season. One in particular, former Rotherham United defender Stephen Brogan, made his stay permanent.

Attentions for Craig Denton and his squad now turn to the season ahead, starting with the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round game against Lower Breck next Sunday.