County's pre-season programme began in earnest last night as they made the relatively short journey through Cheshire where they faced Evo-Stick League Premier Division side Northwich Victoria in a friendly. Paul Simpson's side cruised to a comfortable victory after recording a 5-0 win over Andy Preece's side.

New manager Paul Simpson played two different sides in each half of the game at the Victoria Stadium and included no fewer than five trialists (including former Swindon Town player Andy Nicholas). County were 2-0 up inside the opening ten minutes as Danny Swailes headed the first following a Danny Rowe free-kick before David Poole added a second with a low shot from the edge of the area. Midfielder Greg Tansey made it 3-0 inside 25 minutes as he scored from the penalty spot.

In the second half Danny Pilkington made it 4-0 in the 75th minute after being played through for a one on one before Ritchie Partridge made it 5-0 in the 80th minute, with a neat finish after being set up by new signing Barry Conlon.

The Hatters are next in action on Saturday as they travel to Stormy Corner to take on Skelmersdale United.

First half XI: Fon Williams, Lynch, TRIALIST, Swailes, Nicholas, Poole, Tansey, Vincent, Rowe, TRIALIST, Fisher

Second half XI: TRIALIST, Halls, Havern, TRIALIST, Griffin, Darkwah, Hare, Turnbull, Partridge, Pilkington, Conlon

Photo: Action Images

GaryJ added 15:20 - Jul 21 Do you know who the Trialist's were that played??
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HattersMatters added 15:49 - Jul 21 Some people on Yellowboard have done some detective work from the pics from last nights game and one of the trialists is meant to be Exodus Geoghegan (formerly of Peterborough). Manager Paul Simpson is trying to keep the trialists names secret to avoid alerting other teams to their availability.
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