Bowers & Pitsea 1–2 Hashtag United (03.07.2021)

Bowers & Pitsea 1–2 Hashtag United (03.07.2021) was HTU's first non-competitive fixture of 2021–22. A friendly match, it took place on 3 July 2021 at the Len Salmon Stadium in Pitsea, England.

Background
HTU kicked off their 2021–22 pre-season preparations with a match against stadium landlords Bowers & Pitsea, who were the designated home side for the encounter. It was the third meeting between the sides, with the previous two also being friendly matches; Bowers & Pitsea held a 100% record, after winning 3–1 in both 2019 and 2020.

Pre-match
From the win over Hashtag Academy in the final match of 2020–21, only Danny Smith, Ross Gleed, George Smith and Harry Honesty remained in Jay Devereux's line-up. The match was broadcast live for free on HTU's YouTube channel; with main commentators Neil Smythe (first half) and Alfie Howden (second half) and co-commentators Jamie Hursit (first half) and Ellis Devereux (second half).

Summary
In the 32nd minute, Ade Osifuwa gave Bowers & Pitsea the lead with a thunderous strike from outside the box.
 * First half

In the 69th minute, Ryan O'Rawe equalised with a header from a Kojo Apenteng corner. HTU were awarded a penalty in the 81st minute, after Kieran Southgate was adjudged to have been fouled; Sam Bantick converted the spot-kick in the 82nd minute.
 * Second half

Details
Bowers & Pitsea substitutions unknown

Post-match
Both would face lower league opposition at the Len Salmon Stadium next, with HTU playing Coggeshall United on 5 July and Bowers & Pitsea facing Walthamstow on 6 July.