Burscough 0-4 Blackpool
Taylor-Fletcher 27, 28, Ormerod 75, Nardiello 88
We start with North End’s bitter rivals Blackpool who began their pre-season campaign on Saturday with a 4-0 win over West Lancashire outfit Burscough. The striker with the double-barrelled name bagged a double in the first-half before former Lilywhite Brett Ormerod made it three late in the second period. With just two minutes remaining former Manchester United trainee Daniel Nardiello completed the route with a header from Richard Langley’s cross.
Up Next: Barnstaple Town @ Mill Road 13th July 2009 KO 20:00
Wrexham 1-1 Coventry City
Williams 25 Grandison 60
It wasn’t all clear skies for Coventry City in their first warm-up game of pre-season as the Midland club could only muster a draw against Blue Square Premier side Wrexham. In fact tt was Dean Saunders’ side who took the lead thanks to a Marc Williams tap-in in the 25th minute. City equalised on the hour mark thanks to a towering header from Grandison who got on the end of a Danny Fox cross.
Up Next: Nuneaton @ Liberty Way 15th July 2009 KO 15:00
Burton Albion 0-1 Derby County
Kisnorbo 19
Nigel Clough took Derby County back to his former club Burton Albion for the Rams’ first game of pre-season. Despite having the likes of Rob Hulse on the books at Pride Park it was a defender that scored the vital goal at newly promoted Burton. Trialist Patrick Kisnorbo got on the end of new boy Dean Moxey’s corner. Arguably the ball was already in but Porter made sure with a header of his own on the line, or behind the line depending if it was already in or not.
Up Next: Arnold Town F.C. @ Eagle Valley KO 19:45
Tamworth 1-1 Leicester City
Wright 88 Berner 54
The Foxes had to settle for a draw against Tamworth despite taking the lead in their maiden pre-season outing. City took the lead in the 54th minute through Swiss international Bruno Berner but were stunned by a late equaliser which proved to be decisive. Tamworth midfielder Nick Wright unleashed a spectacular 25-yard strike to send Nigel Pearson’s side back to the Walkers Stadium with only a draw for their endeavours. However another Leicester City XI, a mix of young and experienced players, managed to beat nearby Loughborough Dynamo 3-1.
Next Up: Mansfield Town @ Field Mill 21st July 2009 KO 19:45
Shamrock 0-3 Newcastle United
Taylor 50, Ameobi 87, Ranger 88
The Toon began their pre-season campaign with a comfortable win over Irish outfit Shamrock Rovers on Saturday afternoon. Despite a star-studded squad, it took the Magpies until the second-half to break the deadlock. Steven Taylor turned in a rebounded Kazenga LuaLua short from close range before celebrating with the travelling Geordie fans behind the goal. 1-0 was how it looked like it was going to stay until two goals in the last 5 minutes. Ameobi with the first before Ranger with a driven effort from the edge of the area completed the scoring to give Newcastle a winning start.
Next Up: Darlington @ The Northern Echo Darlington Arena 21st July 2009 KO 12:30
Aldershot 0-4 Queens Park Rangers
Buzsaky 25, Helguson 27, Agyemang 56, Blackstock 61
Gaffer Jim Magilton began his QPR career with a bang thanks to an emphatic 4-0 win over Aldershot at the Recreation Ground. Akos Buzsaky and Heigur Helguson had put the R’s two goals to the good inside half an hour to send the billionaire outfit in at the break with a comfortable lead. Former North End striker made it three before Dexter Blackstock completed the rout on 61 minutes.
Next Up: NK Celje @ Arena Petrol (Slovenia) 15th July 2009 KO 20:00
Bottesford Town 1-2 Scunthorpe United
(‘Messi’ 82) (Forte 1, 45)
Newly promoted Scunthorpe United recorded an unconvincing win over Bottesford Town. Forte scored a goal in the opening and closing minute of the first period to send United in at half-time with a two goal lead. Bottesford then managed to grab themselves a consolation goal with just over 8 minutes to go thanks to a player the Bottesford manager has been dubbing ‘Lionel Messi’. Unfortunately, Scunthorpe’s official website was unable to find out who that player was so Messi will have to do.
Next Up: Winterton Rangers @ West Street 14th July 2009 KO 19:00
Boreham Wood 1-4 Watford XI
(Okojee 66) (Bryan 3, Graham 9, 13, Harley (90+1)
Watford are another Championship side who began their pre-season campaign with a bang. Whilst the younger professionals and academy were busy beating Tring Athletic 6-0, the first-team recorded 4-1 win over Boreham Wood, who were playing against their second Championship team so far in pre-season. Boreham Wood managed to bring the score back to 3-1 after a Bryan had put the Hornets ahead and a Danny Graham brace just moments later. Former Chelsea youngster Jon Harley netted the fourth in added on time.
Next Up: Hampton & Richmond @ Beveree Stadium 18th July 2008 KO 15:00
Histon 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
Barker 64
West Brom began life without Tony Mowbray with a defeat to non-league Histon in what was their first game of pre-season. However, the Black Country outfit had their chance to win the game, two in fact, with new signings Simon Cox missing a penalty a long with Luke Moore also in the 81st and 85th minutes respectively. Histon’s Barker hit an audacious half-volley from the edge of the area through ha crowd of people to net the only goal of the game. New Baggies gaffer Roberton Di Matteo has reacted to this by planning penalty practice in the coming weeks.
Next Up: NK Nafta @ Mestni Stadium (Slovenia) KO 16:30