City romped to an impressive win against Blue Square Bet North club Bishop’s Stortford at Woodside Park, with goals from Ricky Modeste, Sam Corcoran, Craig Parker and Cliff Akurang all coming prior to the interval as Glenn Pennyfather’s side produced their most convincing pre-season display to date.

After around 15 minutes Modeste opened City’s account, robbing the Stortford right-back of the ball before advancing into the penalty area and tucking home wide of the advancing goalkeeper. This lead was quickly doubled, Corcoran receiving the ball centrally after some more neat play down the right involving Parker before driving into the net inside the box.

Next it was Parker himself who got on the score sheet, taking advantage of some brilliant work from wide man Joe Benjamin before tapping-in from close range shortly after the half-hour. As with the first goal, another followed hot on its heels as Akurang powered home a header, a feat he managed later on only to see a potential fifth goal chalked off for an infringement.

After the game, Pennyfather predicted that some quality signings are imminent, claiming: “We’ve got a few players who have agreed to join us but we can’t announce them until the ink is dried. It’s a tough time for managers as there are a lot of foreign players coming over and you’re having all sorts of names thrown at you. Sometimes you have to make quick decisions but I’m keen to sign individuals who have proven themselves at their level.”

The newest name not used until now was Augustin Biaye, who was introduced from the bench as a second-half substitute. Glenn explained: “I’ve had him recommended to me as he has played a lot of games and done well for a side in the French League. He’s a young forward and this was the first time I’ve seen him in action, albeit on the left on this occasion.”

On the match itself, he added: “You never know what to expect from friendly games but I’m pleased with how we stepped up a gear tonight, passing the ball and using our pace in the right areas. We capitalised on a couple of defensive errors which were gifted to us but I know we have goals in this team anyway and we worked hard to earn those opportunities.”

City: Alex Rossis (Joe Woolley), Justin Miller (Ben Nunn), Aiden Palmer, Adam Tann, Mark Haines, Jermaine Brown (Tyrone Scarlett), Ricky Modeste (Greg Morgan), Sam Corcoran, Cliff Akurang (Kezie Ibe), Craig Parker, Joe Benjamin (Augustin Biaye).