Waltham Abbey’s unbeaten start to pre-season was brought to an end on Saturday, after they were beaten 5-0 by Bostik Premier League side Haringey Borough.

The West Essex club, who will compete in the newly created Bostik South Central League this season under the stewardship of Mark Stimson, fell behind after 13 minutes thanks to an own goal, before Chinedu McKenzie doubled Haringey’s advantage moments later.

Coby Rowe then got in on the act, as he added a third with 36 minutes on the clock to hand Haringey a comfortable advantage at half-time.

The Bostik Premier League side continued to cause problems in the second half, with further strikes from McKenzie and Michael Ademiluyi sealing a comfortable victory for the North London club.

Abbey manager Stimson told the club’s website: "We knew that this game would be a tough test and I am pleased that they gave us that. We got 90 mins into players that needed it and we came out of the game with no injuries which is a major plus. Lessons will be learned from this game and we look forward to the season ahead."

Off the pitch, Stimson has been busy in the transfer market, securing the signatures of five new players recently.

The former Thurrock boss bolstered his midfield with the signings of James Coppin, Greig Stewert and Tim Ogunrinde, while also strengthening his forward options with the additions of both Jeff Okirie as well as Ellis Brown.

Those signings bring Stimson’s number of new additions to eight, after Rob Clark, Nathan Okoye, and Ibby Kehinde all joined the Abbott's recently.

The Bostik South Central side have also been boosted by the news that Rimmel Daniel, Ricky Brennan and Billy Holland have all extended their existing deals at the Capershotts Stadium, with the club looking to challenge for promotion this season.

Elsewhere, West Essex’s preparations for the upcoming Essex Senior League campaign were boosted after a 3-0 win over Clapton FC.

Tom Macleod capped off a free flowing counter attack to hand West Essex the lead at half-time, before an own goal and a late third sealed the win.

Meanwhile, a hat-trick from Calvin Poku helped Redbridge fight back from 3-0 down to beat Newbury Park 4-3, while Ryan Maxwell’s Walthamstow were held by New Salamis.