Kenilworth Wardens featured in their final preseason match today, with a 5-3 win over Triumph Athletic, maintaining their undefeated record.

The Wardens did however leave it late to secure tonights victory, having trailed 3-2 until the 78th minute.

In fact, the game was a mixed performance for an away side who were described at half time by their manager Eamonn Richards as "unbelievably mediocre."

This was perhaps a fair reflection of the first thirty minutes as Wardens found themselves two goals behind, before they started to click as a team.

The first goal for Triumph came on 25 minutes. A corner was conceded after sloppy play in the left back position. Poor marking then allowed a free header in the middle of the six yard box to make it 1-0.

Their advantage was doubled four minutes later.

Keeper Andy Whitehouse came off his line to clear a ball over the top, but the Wardens midfield were completely absent as the ball reached a Triumph striker with all the time in the world. He slotted the ball over Whitehouse, and past the defenders on the line.

Wardens then rallied. Isaac Bloomer should have pulled one back two minutes later, following in on a free kick, but his tame finish was easily smothered by the Triumph keeper.

However, two minutes later Guy Pearson won the ball in midfield, played the ball to Tom Shanley, whose first touch got the ball out of his feet. He rounded the keeper and slotted calmly into the empty net.

Parity was then restored on the stroke of half time. Guy played a cross-field pass to Shanley who produced a superb cross to Dan Twigger at the back stick to head home.

Richards made three changes at half time, notably bringing on James Butcher to strengthen the midfield. An astute change as the big defensive midfielder was able to dictate the ball throughout the following 45 minutes.

Despite mounting pressure from the home side, Triumph took a 3-2 lead on fifty minutes.

A counter attack saw the Wardens' centre halves left two on two. The Triumph striker was able to trick his way onto his left foot, and power the ball past Whitehouse at his near post.

Chances were aplenty for both sides as the game became increasingly stretched.

Dan Twigger miscued a shot from outside the box to miss an open goal, but hit the cricket nets some thirty metres behind the home side's goal.

Tom Shanley was also unlucky not to double his tally, deciding on an audacious bicycle kick as the ball reached him on the edge of the six yard box. This instead of capitalising on the absence of any defenders anywhere near him, to take a touch and slot the ball home.

On 77 minutes it looked as if it would not be Kenilworth's day. Pinball in the Triumph box saw their keeper make two smart saves, and then the ball to drop onto the roof of the net for Twigger - leaving the coaching staff with their heads in their hands.

However the resulting goal kick, played to the centre back, was pressured by Guy Pearson, who managed to force the ball into the back of the net. It remains unclear whether this was intentional or not, but his determination to get to the ball was admirable.

Similar praise must also be heaped onto right back Roger Kingston for the fourth goal. His determination to keep the ball in play from a sloppy pass allowed him to play a superb left-footed cross to find Twigger unmarked on the edge of the six yard box.

No prizes for guessing what happened next. 4-3 to Kenilworth.

With the momentum behind them, Wardens increased their lead just one minute later.

Having won the ball on the edge of their box, the ball was played up to Twigger who flicked it on.

Ben Edmunds chased the ball down, brushing off the chasing centre back to power a left-footed shot through the keeper and into the back of the net.

Whilst they may have left it late, the full time whistle blew for a convincing 5-3 win to the away side.

Without their full compliment of players, and playing against a strong Triumph side, Kenilworth Wardens should be pleased with today's result.

Ultimately a resilient team performance, peppered with moments of quality, which should stand them in good stead for the coming season.

Todays match was sponsored by Kenilworth Wardens are proudly sponsored by LPC Sports Therapy and Yoga.

Lead-therapist Lily is a Level Four qualified sports massage therapist and yoga Practitioner, specialising in anxiety support.

Lily is trained to diagnose injuries, rehabilitate, and is fully recommended by players of Kenilworth Wardens.