The Black & Whites began pre-season on the right foot, securing a 2-1 victory over Scottish League Two hopefuls Annan Athletic.
As is typical of the early weeks of preseason, it was a game focussed on assessing trialists whilst building fitness for the first team. Scott Bakkor made his first appearance for the Colls, starting alongside James Hooper in what is a new look frontline at the Skuna Stadium, whilst eight trialists also featured over the course of the afternoon.
Scott Bakkor was quick to impress, coming close to opening the securing moments into the game, dispossessing an Annan defender in the penalty area before firing into the side netting from a tight angle, in what was a prominent example of Bakkor's intense workrate that was evident throughout the afternoon.
A deserved lead soon came through Marcus Cusani. A deep free-kick was immaculately fired into the penalty box from the halfway line, and the Colls winger won his aerial battle with ease, heading into the top corner.
Danny Taberner, Ethan Kershaw and Dec Daniels entered the fray over the halftime interval, providing the Stripes with fresh impetus for the second half.
Five minutes into the second half, Gaz Peet marked the return to football in trademark fashion, rifling a free-kick into the bottom left corner from just outside of the box to double the Colls lead.
Despite the Collieries general defensive solidity throughout the game, Annan Athletic eventually found the scoresheet courtesy of what can only be described as a minor mishap from the Collieries. A defensive mix-up ultimately saw an otherwise innocuous cross headed in for an own goal from outside of the box.
The scoreline finished at 2-1 to the Colls, a generally comfortable performance with fitness the priority. The high pressing game from the rejuvenated frontline particularly impressed the Skuna faithful.
The Colls are next in action on Tuesday night, welcoming Bury AFC to the Skuna Stadium, a side with many familiar faces and former Colls players amongst their ranks.
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