Max Kretzschmar's header just before half-time saw Hampton and Richmond past Wealdstone to earn the Middlesex Senior Cup at the Beveree Stadium last night.

The long-awaited final, re-arranged from last season, turned out to be far from friendly when Hampton's Charlie Wassmer was sent off for kicking Josh Hill with 20 minutes to go.

It was not enough to inspire a late resurgence in Gordon Bartlett's team, however, who were second-best for much of the fiery encounter.

Following five unbeaten pre-season games to date, the final may serve as a wake-up call against fellow National League South opposition, ahead of the start of the league season a week on Saturday.

An even game swung the way of Hampton after half an hour, when Brendan Kiernan's mazy run turned Josh Hill in the box, but Jonathan North was equal to his shot.

Kretzschmar, a former Wycombe forward, was then left reeling after missing a double-chance to open the scoring.

His first effort was well saved by North, before he smashed the rebound into the side netting.

Two minutes before the break he chanced his arm again, this time with better fortune.

Taurean Roberts robbed Ciaron Brown, back from a trial at Sheffield Wedneday, before crossing for the striker to fire a header goalwards that North had little chance of stopping.

Dan Fitchett ended last season in fine form, but has not found the net as easy to find during preparations for 2017/18 - and that continued after the break.

Eddie Oshodi's header from a corner deflected into the path of the ex-Sutton man, but he fired over from close-range in Wealdstone's best chance.

Hampton were guilty of their own profligacy when Ryan Moss was denied by North, who in fairness threw his body on the line to keep out the striker's effort.

With 20 minutes to go the Stones were given a lifeline when Wassmer made the ill-advised decision to kick out at Hill in front of the watching eyes of the referee, and even in pre-season there was little choice but to show the defender a straight red.

Even with 10 men, Hampton remained in the ascendency, and Bartlett would have been left unamused with the manner the hosts were able to carve open his troops, ending with Christian Jolley's effort fizzing across goal.

Duncan Culley's deflected free-kick presented another opportunity for the hosts despite their numerical disadvantage, but their first-half opener would prove enough to secure victory.

Wealdstone: North, Oshodi, Okimo, Harwood, Hill, Brown, Whichelow (Godfrey 46), Cox, Benyon, Fitchett (Hunt 83), Wellard.

Not used: Constable, Anastasiou, Crilley.