On a hot summer night, an early brace by Joe Smith was enough for The Magpies to bag some silverware in their first pre-season game despite a spirited performance from the Wessex Leaguers with “fans favourite” Addwell Chipangura pulling one back in the second half.

For your reporter there were eye-catching performances across the twenty-plus players manager Tim Sills sent out. Let’s start with the new signings:

• Joe Smith marked everyone’s card with those goals – the first from a low right-wing cross at the far post; the second when he seized on a defender’s mistake, advanced, and slotted past Ben Rodwell; and he nearly added a third with a cheeky lob;
• Max Bustamente played wide on the right in the first-half, looked a real threat, and provided the cross for the first goal;
• Josh McQuoid played in front of the back-line in the first-half – used his experience to always be in the right place at the right time, and hit a number of sumptuous long balls as he spotted the runs of Seuny and Joe Ryan;
• Seung-Woo Yang was neat and tidy in midfield making intelligent runs;
• Joe Ryan looked lively and dangerous on both wings;
• Lewis Williams played the second-half showcasing his electric acceleration and control; combined well with Jacko to trick his way to the by-line for a pull-back.

A couple of trialists, at left-back and central midfield, stood out in the first-half; and a couple of youngsters from the Academy, at centre-back and in midfield, looked real prospects. There’s plenty of talent for Tim to consider as he decides on his final squad.

After the game, the trophy was presented to Wimborne skipper Jacko by Dawn Page, Life President of Christchurch and widow of Gerry.