There were goals galore to mark the first game at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium as the Peacocks strolled to a 7-0 victory in their latest friendly against a youthful Cheltenham Town this evening (19th July).
Town dominated throughout and Matt Wright had already hit the post before Andrew Neal turned in Ed Palmer’s drive from close range to give the hosts the lead after 11 minutes. Ben Adelsbury also fired a free kick against the woodwork before Neal scored his second on 26 minutes with a superb chip over Freddie Lapworth from out wide on the right.
Jamie Price headed home from Shane White’s corner after 57 minutes to make it 3-0 before the Peacocks piled on the agony in the final half hour. Neal bagged his hat trick on 63 minutes with a tap in after Jamie Short’s shot had been saved before Short himself powered home the fifth from the edge of the box with ten minutes remaining. Short set up Dan Sullivan for another on 85 minutes before the scoring was concluded in the final minute when Sullivan’s ball was steered in by Noah Coppin.
Reaction – Head of Football Rob Dray said:” The work rate and attitude were bang on tonight and building good habits is always a positive thing at this stage. We moved the ball around very well, played with a good tempo and several players chipped in with goals which is pleasing. Keeping a clean sheet was another good aspect of the game but I realise there are bigger tests to come this week which we are looking forward to.”