Hunt scores in friendly win

After less than a weeks training under their belts, and played in blistering heat, this was always going to be a difficult afternoon for the Royals squad. Brian McDermott opted to field two different line ups in each half after taking a 24 man squad to Cherrywode Road.


In the first half we looked lively with Hal Robson Kanu impressing, having two decent efforts and hitting the bar. Shane Long also lead the line well and Jem Karacan put in a decent shift in the centre of midfield.


The second half though was a more experienced 11 with the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Jimmy Kebe and new signing Marcus Williams getting some game time under their belts. The goal was scored by Noel Hunt on his return from injury after sub keeper Simon Locke punted a long ball down field that went over the Farnborough defence and goalkeeper. Hunt tapped in from a yard out with the ball already going in and claimed the first goal of pre season.


The Irishman was replaced after half an hour, simply as a precaution, and was replaced by Michail Antonio who got a short run out upfront.


The squad now travel to Slovenia to play three further games, before returning to plau Wycombe, Wolves and Southampton. Whilst the scoreline doesn’t look particular good, its all about game time and getting match fitnedd ahead of the opening game of the season against Scunthorpe.