New Santos 7-0 8th Old Boys

With Victoria Park pitches called off for the second week running, the match was played at the West Winds pitches in Newtonards. Santos again continued their policy of playing more-or-less two seperate teams throughout the game facing an 8th Old Boys team who had defeated them 6-4 in the corresponding friendly a year ago.

A strong Santos eleven started brightly against 8th Old Boys. Within the opening ten minutes, captain Martin Magee put Santos a goal to the good with a cross which floated over the 8th keeper and into the roof of the net. It was Santos' first chance of the game, but it wasn't to be their last as their opposition seemed to crumble after a stubborn opening spell. Santos were dominating the game and got their second following a well worked move which saw Dougan release O'Reilly down the right whos pin-point cross was met by a neat headed finish from Joe Magee. There were plenty of opportunities to increase the lead for Santos with Seaward, Martin Magee and O'Reilly all coming close. The first half came to an end with JP Byrne in the Santos nets barely having to break a sweat.

Half-time New Santos 2-0 8th Old Boys

Santos started to make changes throughout the second half, with a virtually new team gradually being introduced although it didn't seem to change the manner of the game as Santos were relentless in their pursuit of goals, so much so that left-back Kevin Carson got his first goal for the club following a great move down the left involving Martin Magee, and a composed finish that a striker would be proud of. Another move down the left hand side led to the fourth as Simon Magee slotted the ball past the outstretched keeper. Not long after, a cross made its way to the back post where David Dougan was left with enough time to take a touch and hit the back of the net to make it five. Santos were coasting and the spectators were treated to magical displays of Zidane-esque skill from Michael West and Paul Burns throughout the second half. The rout continued with Paddy McLean putting past the despondent 8th keeper, and the same player made it 7-0 to finish off 8th Old Boys.

Although the win was against relatively poor opposition, there were plenty of encouraging performances for Santos to be pleased about, and the win will no doubt boost the confidence of a Santos squad featuring plenty of new players.

Full-time New Santos 7-0 8th Old Boys

Starting 11 JP Byrne, Sean Carson, Kevin Carson, Richard Scullion, Ronan Doherty, David Dougan, Martin Magee, Kieran Seaward, Gerard McWilliams, Joe Magee, Paddy O'Reilly
Second half team: JP Byrne, Martin Cunningham, Richard Scullion/Ronan Doherty, James Martin, Eamon Moran, Michael West, Paul Burns, Padraig Henry, Paddy McLean, Pol Douglas/Aidan Mooney, Simon Magee

Man of the Match: To be decided.
Goalscorer(s): Martin Magee, Joe Magee, Kevin Carson, Simon Magee, David Dougan, Paddy McLean x2