City ran out as convincing winners against AFC Kempsey in a one-sided affair, as City retain the HFA Invitational Cup for a second year running after a 10-0 win.

Possession was even between the two sides early on, with both sides moving the ball around well. It took only ten minutes for City to put themselves in front, with Zac Guinan heading in from close range, after a great ball in by Felix Miles.

City looked the most threatening and had the majority of possession, which paid off just shy of the half-hour mark. Felix Miles’ corner met the head of Hayden Reeves to put City 2-0 up. City’s third came minutes later when Kyle Belmonte made a run down the right, and his cross was met by Dan Sweeney, putting City 3-0 up.

Kempsey had a chance of their own just before the close of the half when Jacob Ward’s counter-attack was put wide of the post. City scored their fourth of the half when Dan Sweeney broke free, but had his effort saved by Jonty Scott. Logan Stoddart was there on the rebound to put away City’s fourth.

City’s fifth came three minutes after the restart. Liam Lockett’s driven pass was slotted home by Niall Flint from close range. A sixth came soon after as Teddy Rowe’s strike from the edge of the area beat the keeper, putting City into complete control. Minutes later, Niall Flint put City 7-0 up after an unsaveable shot by the 27-year-old.

The scoring wasn’t done, as 15 minutes from time, Liam Lockett put City 8 ahead. His low-driven shot found the bottom corner. Dan Sweeney got himself on the scoresheet for the second time as he turned his man and fired a shot into the top left to put City 9-0 up. City’s tenth did not disappoint, as Teddy Rowe fired a bullet from distance with the keeper unable to get near it.

A resourceful pre-season for City comes to an end, as attention now turns to the first game of the new season against Quorn at Sixways Stadium on Saturday, 9th August.

Match Report by Harry Wilcox.