Pre-Season Matches Roundup
Queens Park Rangers enjoyed an emphatic victory in their first game since returning to The Championship as they defeated Italian minnows Verona Stars 10-0.
Chris Ramsey’s side were due to play Shakhtar Donetsk until their withdrawal on Friday, so the local amateur side stepped in as opposition on short notice.
They will perhaps think twice if offered the opportunity again, as two goals from Samba Diakite and another from Sebastian Polter made it three before half time.
The worst was yet to come, though, as second-half efforts from Clint Hill, Alejandro Faurlin and Reece Grego-Cox made it six – before a frantic closing ten minutes saw two goals from Ben Gladwin and one each from Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Junior Hoilett bring up double figures.
Elsewhere in Europe, there was a similarly emphatic victory for Brighton & Hove Albion as they beat Swiss fourth-tier side Meryin 6-1 in their first match of the summer.
Tommer Hemed’s early opener was cancelled out, but efforts from Rohan Ince, Bruno Saltor and Solly March ensured Chris Hughton’s side would go into the break with an emphatic lead. Second-half goals from James Tilley and Chris O’Grady then distinguished any hopes of a comeback.
Across the continent in Portugal, Fulham toasted the first game of their tour of the country with an impressive 3-1 win over Premier League side Aston Villa.
Giant striker Matt Smith gave The Championship side the lead, but Villa’s equally commanding attacker Libor Kozak brought the scores level. Kit Symon’s side were not done there though, for Alexander Kacanklic and Ross McComarck added a second and third goal respectively to seal the win.
Neil Lennon’s Bolton Wanderers side suffered a tougher time of things in Austria, however, as they were beaten 2-1 by Sturm Graz.
Kristijan Dorbas gave the host the lead just two minutes before half-time, but The Championship side were level soon after the break thanks to Mark Davies’ effort. The visitors were unable to hold on for a draw though, as Roman Kienast stole the win from the penalty spot – minutes before getting sent off.
Closer to home, Ipswich Town began their annual tour of Ireland with a 6-0 victory over Shelbourne.
Alex Henshall opened the scoring within 60 seconds, before Darren Ambrose and Cole Skuse added further efforts before half-time. New signing Brett Pittman added two in the second half, with a Jay Tabb goal completing the scoring.
Back in England, the shock of the day came at Blundell Park as Derby County were beaten 2-1 by non-leaguers Grimsby Town in Paul Clement’s first game in charge. Goals from Padraig Amond and Craig Clay within three minutes of one another put the hosts in control, leaving Johnny Russell’s second half-strike as nothing but a consolation.
Elsewhere, Middlesbrough beat York City 1-0 in their first match since suffering play-off hearbreak thanks to a strike from youngster Bradley Fewester, whilst there was also joy for Blackburn Rovers – who beat Lancashire rivals Accrington Stanley 2-0 after goals from Den Furman and Craig Bonway.
The wins continued for the second-tier sides as two goals in the opening six minutes from Karl Aheare-Grant gave Charlton Athletic a 2-0 win over Welling, as efforts from Nahki Wells, Joe Lolley and Jacob Butterfield gave Huddersfield Town a 3-1 win over Guisely
However, Championship new boys Preston North end endured a frustrating day as they were held 0-0 by Chorley, whilst Sheffield Wednesday were also held in a 1-1 draw with Alfreton Town despite Sergiu Bus’ effort.
On Friday night, Burnley also started their pre-season preparations as they overcame Swiss third-tier side Etoile Courage 2-1, with Lukas Jutkiewicz and George Boyd getting the goals.
Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Wanderers beat Paris FC 1-0 thanks to Donovan Wilson’s effort, whilst Bristol City beat Bath City by the same scoreline after an Aaron Wilbraham penalty.
There was no such luck for Leeds United, however, after a Steve Morison strike was needed to claim a 1-1 draw against non-leaguers Harrogate.