Goals in each half saw The Exiles comfortably beat Forest Green Rovers in a behind-closed-doors friendly match at Spytty Park this afternoon.
Just four minutes in to the game, Shawn McCoulsky tapped home from five yards out after Lamar Reynolds’ mazy run beat three Rovers players on the left side of the pitch. The winger’s shot-come-cross was guided in successfully by McCoulsky and County were one goal to the good.
Joe Quigley smashed home a second on 68 minutes from the penalty spot after Lamar Reynolds was again involved, the forward was brought down at the second attempt by a Rovers defender. Joe Quigley stepped up and scored with a powerful strike to his right.
Not long after Quigley buried the penalty, several academy youngsters were given an opportunity to shine. Evan Press, Michael Cook, Tom Savigar, Joe Hunt and Tom Hillman all made appearances from the bench as well as goalkeeper Mathew Mayor who replaced James Bittner in the County goal with around 20 minutes to go.
All of the substitute Academy players battled well and were deserved of their chance playing alongside first team players.
Academy graduate Jay Foulston started the match and looked comfortable throughout, playing alongside Jazzi Barnum-Bobb at centre-half. Calaum Jahraldo was on the left side of the defence while a trialist occupied the right side.
Another trialist played in midfield alongside Tom Owen-Evans and Reece Cole while up front Lamar Reynolds, Joe Quigley and Shawn McCoulsky all started the match.
The level of the performance as well as the result will be pleasing for manager Michael Flynn as County now prepare for the visit of Grimsby Town this Saturday.
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