Dungannon Swifts 5

AFTER a dull opening half, Dungannon Swifts picked up the tempo in the second and exposed Desert’s weaknesses at the back.

It was the Swifts first friendly match in preparation for the new season, and the rustiness showed in the opening 45 minutes as they struggled to string together any scoring opportunities.

In fact it was Desert’s Robin Patton who had a half chance in the fourth minute with a 10-yard strike which shot harmlessly over the bar.

The match then settled into a lifeless midfield battle as the rain lashed down on Dromore Park.

Chris Peacock’s side was missing a few players from the showdown with Glentoran the previous Saturday.

And the departure of keeper Damien Cassidy shortly before half time proved costly for Desert.

Cassidy, who had a fine game against the Glens, banged his head badly on the pitch during a challenge and had to come off.

A half time talk by Harry Fay seemed to work wonders for Swifts and a Marc McCann shot found the back of the net - helped on its way by Desert player who got in its way.

Aaron Baker added a second in the 50th minute as the visitors penetrated the home side’s defences with ease.

McCann went close with a strike five minutes later before Daragh Peden added a third just before the hour.

Jim Slater and McCann both just missed the target as Desert tried desperately to get the ball into the Dungannon half.

Marc McCann bagged their fourth in the 75th minute after a cross into the box from Slater on the right wing. Slater headed home the fifth with about a minute remaining.

The club would like to thank Sportique, Magherafelt, for sponsoring the matchball.

Desertmartin: Cassidy, Leacock, Bradley, D. Junkin, Ferson, Hogg, Barclay, Campbell, M. Junkin, Patton, Armstrong. Subs White, Pickering, Overend, Pitts.

Desert’s next friendly is against the PSNI, July 19, kick off 2.30pm; Ballymena United, July 23, kick off 7.30pm.