Wexford Youths 0, City 4

James Hanson and Ross Hannah hit the goal trail again as City strolled to another pre-season win in Ireland last night.

For the second game running, they claimed three between them – all coming before half-time against the willing amateur hosts.

This time it was Hanson who got the lion’s share in a one-sided encounter that ran out of steam after the break.

City boss Phil Parkinson said: “Wexford Youths are a young, fit team and we did well to get the first three goals before half-time.

“I thought Hanson’s two goals were really good. Putting the ball in the back of the net is a great habit.

“The move for the second goal and his finish shows what he is like when he’s playing with confidence.”

The second half’s major point of interest was Alan Connell’s first appearance for the club, before fellow substitute Nahki Wells rounded off the scoring late on.

Parkinson spared some of the big guns for Saturday’s much stiffer test at top-flight Bray. But with four trialists in the City starting ranks, there was no lack of incentive and it showed.

Michael Boateng and Anthony McNamee were joined by former Aldershot, Swansea and Wycombe central midfielder Scott Donnelly and teenage Irish centre back Carl McHugh, who had been on Reading’s books.

Ricky Ravenhill was not taking it lightly, producing a crunching tackle inside two minutes which earned him a harsh yellow card.

Adam Baker again looked promising on the right flank and tested goalkeeper Graham Doyle at his near post after full back Shane Clarke sliced his clearance.

The first-year professional then turned provider, crossing for Hannah’s header which Doyle saved scrambling to his right.

Goals were coming – and duly arrived with two in as many minutes.

City’s opener was created by a fine cross from McNamee, with Hanson on the end of it to loop a header over the stranded Clarke.

Then James Scannon took Hannah’s legs away in the corner of the box and the striker stepped up to slam home the resulting penalty.

Boateng barrelled forward to join the fun but his cut-back was scuffed into the ground by Hanson.

Still, there was plenty of goal-mouth action to entertain the sizeable – and decidedly merry – away following.

Hanson made immediate amends with a sweet right-foot strike that flew into the top corner from 20 yards. At that stage, it was threatening to become another Tadcaster-style rout.

McHugh made an important block from a rare Wexford foray but the defence had been hardly troubled and Forrayah Bass was allowed to charge upfield from left back to set up another chance which Hannah spooned over.

There were no City changes for the start of the second half but the impetus had not surprisingly disappeared. Brian Nolan volleyed home for Wexford but had been flagged offside.

A raft of substitutes were warming up as Rory McArdle missed City’s first chance of the half, heading over from a corner.

Parkinson then signalled the change with seven switched, only keeper Jon McLaughlin remaining unused in the dugout.

It gave Connell his first half hour in a City shirt to partner Wells as Hannah and Hanson took their well-earned breather.

McNamee had also put a shift in and Jamie Lawrence, who had pushed him Parkinson’s way, banged on the clubhouse window to show his appreciation for the little winger’s efforts.

Gary Jones, who had replaced Ravenhill, was straight into the action with a ferocious volley after Wells picked him out but it flew straight at the relieved Clarke.

Connell chested the ball down for Jones to have another crack but the midfielder dragged his left-footer across goal.

Matt Duke, skipper for the night, had been a spectator all night. His first save, when it eventually came after 73 minutes, was a simple catch above the head.

Wells rounded off the scoring seven minutes from time when he tapped home after beating the offside trap from Will Atkinson’s through ball.

City: Duke, Boateng, McHugh (Davies 60), McArdle (Oliver 60), Bass, Baker (Atkinson 60), Ravenhill (G Jones 60), Donnelly (McHugh 73), McNamee (Meredith 60), Hannah (Connell 60), Hanson (Wells 60). Sub (not used): McLaughlin.