THAMESMEAD Town began their pre-season schedule with a 3-0 defeat against Dartford.

Goals from Brendan Cass, Steve Hafner and Jay May gave the Darts a comfortable lwin as Mead, with several new faces on show, took time to settle.

Scott Saunders was skipper for the day and he made some enterprising runs down the left flank.

With new boys Scott Mulholland showing some nice touches and James Brown trying to dominate the midfield, the new-shaped Mead were looking good.

However, on 23 minutes Mead's back line were caught appealing for an off-side flag which never came and Cass had the easy task of giving Darts the lead.

The returning Rikki Cable was limited to few opportunities as The Mead tried for the equaliser.

Sam Thomas went close with a header after a good break from Mulholland and Cable.

But Darts went further ahead after 38 minutes when a corner was cleared to the edge of the box and Steve Hafner volleyed the ball superbly past Kemp.

The second half was a much more even affair.

Robbie Tarrant made his first appearance and looked very accomplished in midfield as Mead grew used to their new system.

But with few chances at either end the game was settled when Peter Deadman pulled up with torn hamstring.

From the injury, Darts stole the ball and the resultant cross was slotted home by May.

New Mead manager Keith McMahon said: "For our first pre-season game I have to be pleased, the new boys all did well with Ryan Royston looking a great acquisition.

"We are looking to change our style of play and although this will take time I'm sure come the start of the season you will see the lads have got it right"

The following afternoon saw a mixture of senior squad and veterans take on an Arsenal Pro-Celeb XI in aid of the David Rocastle Charity.

With close to 150 people watching the 6-2 home win, it is hoped the club will be able to donate around £500.

The Arsenal XI was led by Eastenders Kevin Wickes, actor Phil Daniels, while the Mead's director of football Terry Hill took the armband.

An early strike from Ryan Royston settled some nerves before another Eastender actor Rob Gee, who plays Paul, smashed a great shot past Keith Dunsmore.

Some slick football put the Mead back in front when ex-Tottenham and Mead's new coach Tony Potts expertly finished.

As the heat took its toll on some of the older lads, the Gunners were gifted an equaliser which Jason Rush, former Dream Team star, easily scored.

As half time approached Mead were awarded a very dubious penalty but justice was served when Patrick Williams missed.

Inspired substitutions seemed to change the game as Sam Thomas twice and another Potts strike without reply gave the mead a well deserved win.

Aveley are the visitors on Thursday (July 20) and then Eton Manor on July 22.