After having no football for over 5 months, the Steelmen returned to Roundwood in their first pre-season game of the summer against Oughtibridge WMFC.

With majority of the Parkgate players returning from last season, Andy Dawson did include a couple of new faces which are set to be announced very soon.

The match kicked-off on a very warm and sunny August evening in front of no supporters as Covid-19 restrictions prevented spectators being in the ground during pre-season games.

The opening five or so minutes were slow with both sides knocking off a few cobwebs, however, Parkgate attacker Brandon Bagley raced through 9 minutes into the first half, placing his effort past the helpless goalkeeper on the away team’s net.

The next real opportunity came as Simon Harrison stepped up for a free-kick, 21 minutes in, which deflected off the Oughtibridge wall, falling to left-back Richard Tootle, who had no issues in finishing at the first attempt from close-range.

Then moments after, the first water break came with Andy Dawson’s side happily leading by two goals to nil.

The visitors had their first attempt which tested young 17-year-old goalkeeper, Tom Kirkland, who made his Parkgate senior debut after impressing in the U18’s and U21’s in recent years. He tipped an effort round his near post.

Just before the half time interval, midfielder Lewis Whitaker made it 3-0 when he hit a left-footed effort pass the keeper and into the top corner from 25-yards out.

HALF TIME | Parkgate 3-0 Oughtibridge

Both managers made changes during the break, with five substitutes coming on for Parkgate. However, that didn’t ruin the home side’s momentum as skipper, Simon Harrison made to cause issues with another one of his free-kicks, this time getting on the scoresheet himself.

Just before the hour mark and the second half drinks break, Bruno Holden made it 5-0 as he went through one-on-one with the goalkeeper, calmly sliding the ball pass him.

The visitors did manage to pull a goal back, despite it having no impact on the final outcome of the game.

Parkgate seemed to get away with not giving Oughtibridge a chance for a second goal too, as they had a good penalty appeal turned away by the referee.

FULL TIME | Parkgate 5-1 Oughtibridge

The Steelmen travel to Sandy Lane on Saturday to face Worksop Town.