Sligo Rovers recorded an emphatic 7-0 victory over Coolaney United on Saturday in their opening pre season friendly at the south Sligo club’s new venue.

Rovers took the lead after only four minutes. A slick passing move involving Matthew Judge and Fahrudin Kudozovic gave Conor O’ Grady the opportunity to finish which he did at the second attempt. Many chances were squandered until eventually a second goal followed in the 20^th minute. A burst through the midfield by Brian Cash saw the Dubliner race by Paddy Gormley and found Sean Doherty. He cut back and gave Kudozovic a simple chance which he put away easily.

The Bit O’ Red were dominant and soon after it was 3-0. Matthew Judge curled a tremendous shot from outside the area into the top corner, giving the Coolaney keeper no chance. The fourth goal did not arrive until just before half time. It was debutant Sean Doherty’s turn to get on the score sheet as after good play by the front two he lashed the ball home from 10 yards.

Paul Cook sent out a completely different eleven in the second half and took the chance to have a look at a number of trialists. One of the trialists, Ciaran Greene,  made it 5-0 in the opening minutes of the second half. Ross Mc Loughlin beat two defenders before setting up Greene who comfortably shot home. It was another trialist who had a major role in the next goal. Michael Burlinksi crossed for Gary Curran to tap home and make it six.

The scoring was completed in the 70^th minute. Seamus Coleman broke into the penalty area and his crossed by blocked by the hand of a Coolaney defender. Referee Paul Deering pointed to the spot and Keith Foy confidently put the ball in the corner of the goal.

Rovers finished the game with nine men as both Keith Foy and Seamus Coleman limped off with injuries. Coleman was only taken off as a pre caution and it is thought Foy’s injury is not too serious. There were more chances in the closing exchanges but the score line stayed at seven and neither Richard Brush nor Pat Jennings had a save to make all game. The next friendly for Paul Cook’s charges is Athlone in Lisseywollen on Monday 11 February

Sligo Rovers: Richard Brush[ Pat Jennings], Rafael Cretaro[ Seamus Coleman], Gavin Peers[ Steve Feeney], Danny Ventre[Jamie Mc Kenzie], Chris Butler[Keith Foy], Brian Cash[ Gary Curran], Conor O’ Grady[ Theo Ilidiakas], Alan Moore[Levi Tierney], Sean Doherty[Ciaran Greene], Fahrudin Kudozovic[ Michael Burlinksi], Matthew Judge[Ross Mc Loughlin]. All substitutions took place at half time.