IT seems strange playing football in the first week of August -- maybe that is why this game had all the markings of a pre-season friendly.

The game lacked the punch of a season curtain raiser while players appeared to be off the pace.

Even the sun shone.

However, there were a few exceptions.

Canberra's speedy winger, Jamie Stoddart, and midfield enforcer, Mark Chadwick, impressed for the home team as did Jason Sheard in the Mill Hill engine room.

But in terms of being up for the game, Neil Tattersall stood out above the rest.

Maybe not the most talented player on display but, in terms of commitment and enthusiasm, the animated Tattersall had no equal.

He tore around the pitch like a player fighting to win a title or avoid relegation. So it was no surprise that he played a part in the only goal of the game.

He showed desire and sheer determination to win the ball in midfield and then earn a corner following a surging run in to the Canberra area.

Sheard, Mill Hill's other outstanding player on the day, swung in the corner for Neil Morris to rise unopposed to head home.

This game was always going to be won or lost on set pieces.

First half opportunities were restricted to pot shots from free kicks with Canberra's Chadwick and Mill Hill pair, Paul Walker and substitute Phil Sharples all going close.

The only clear cut opportunity that did not come from a free kick came when Stoddart's powerful run and cross fell for Gary Holt who blasted over when well placed at the far post.

Canberra did get the ball in the back of the net early in the second half but Anthony Clarkson's strike was harshly ruled out.

The striker raced on to a Liam Lishman through and, after Kieron Bentley produced a great save to block his initially effort, the referee disallowed his followed up claiming Clarkson kicked the ball out of the keeper's hands.

Bentley then spilled Lishman's powerfully struck free kick and was relieved to see his defence scramble the ball away.

But the keeper came to Mill Hill's rescue soon after when Martin Dewhurst was unfortunate to give away a penalty for an apparent push on Holt.

Bentley saved Lishman's spot kick and turned away Clarkson's follow up.

The match appeared to be heading for a dour 0-0 draw as both sides made a series of substitutes, more to give players a run-out rather than change the course of the game.

But Tattersall had other ideas with a run to earn a corner that would eventually lead to the match-winning goal.

Mill Hill may have claimed the win but both sides will now be hoping that their season gets under way for real in their next match.