WHITCHURCH’S shaky start to pre-season continued with a home defeat against Hellenic League side Milton United.

On a warm afternoon Whitchurch fielded their strongest side to date but went down to a slightly unflattering 4-1 scoreline.

They went behind after 20 minutes when Brad Snelling could only parry a shot and the visitors were quicker to the loose ball.

A perfect Danny Phillips provided an equaliser for Dave Parry before the visitors restored their lead on the stroke of half time.

Taurean Manders saw his spotkick pushed round the post before Whitchurch went to 3-1 down and Milton wrapped up the victory with their fourth late on.

Three days later Thatcham were the visitors as Whitchurch put in a much improved performance.

The home side went ahead through a Jack McCarthy penalty only for Thatcham to equalise within five minutes when Whitchurch failed to clear a corner.

The Berkshire side scored five minutes later, to make it 2-1.

The second half saw a raft of subs and Dave Parry, who scored his third goal in as many games to bring the scores level.

The return from injury of Tom Lockyer brought energy to midfield whilst Scott Hassall partnered Ally Brown and looked solid.