New Santos 1-3 Collingwood

With the original venue, Victoria Park, called off due to a water-logged pitch, Santos got their pre-season fixtures going with Sunday league side Collingwood, featuring former Santos players Michael Mason, Stephen Copeland and John Martin on a makeshift pitch at Strangford. With the priority being a good run out for as many players as possible, Santos went into the game with the intention of fielding two seperate teams in each half.

Santos were sluggish in the first half, failing to gain any sort of forward momentum early on with the exception of the always dangerous Simon Magee. Collingwood took the lead around the 15 minute mark, with two ex-Santos players combining, Stevie Copelands shot was parried out and the rebound fell to Michael Mason who tapped in to put Collingwood one up. Collingwood doubled their lead not long after through a penalty after Michael West had brought down an attacker in the box. Copeland stepped up and sent keeper JP Byrne the wrong way. The first half ended with Santos failing to create any significant chances although with many new players making their debuts, the scoreline was never a priority.

Half-time New Santos 0-2 Collingwood

In the second half, Santos fielded a much more experienced line-up with only 2 debutants. The added experienced showed as Santos started to dominate the game, putting pressure on the Collingwood defence from the get-go. Santos pulled a goal back with around 60 minutes after the ball fell to Aidan Mooney from a corner and he finished neatly with his left foot. The chance for an equaliser came soon after the goal, with David Dougan and Simon Magee finding themselves with only one defender to contend with, but Dougans pass to Magee was overhit when perhaps he could have shot. The referee denied a New Santos penalty when Simon Magee was brought down, awarding a free kick outside the box instead. Collingwood made Santos pay for not converting their chances when they went 3-1 up with a neat finish from a scuffed corner which made its way into the the penalty area. The goal was harsh on Santos' second half team, and Collingwood held on to their lead and earn the ex-Santos players the bragging rights.

Full-time New Santos 1-3 Collingwood

Starting 11: JP Byrne, Joe Magee, Martin Cunningham, Richard Scullion, Chris Monan, Paddy O'Reilly, Kieran Seaward, Michael West, Paddy McLean, Simon Magee, Martin McAlister.
Second half team: JP Byrne, Paul McKillop, Kevin Carson, Ronan Doherty, Gareth McKinstrey, Padraig Henry, David Dougan, Aidan Mooney, James Martin, Simon Magee, Pol Douglas

Man of the Match: Simon Magee
Goalscorer(s): Aidan Mooney