Colls begin pre-season with win against Scottish outfit

As is typical of the early weeks of pre-season, it was a game focused on assessing trialists, while 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, while eight trialists also featured over the course of the afternoon.

Bakkor was quick to impress, coming close to opening the scoring 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 his intense workrate that was evident throughout the afternoon.

A deserved lead came through Marcus Cusani soon after when 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 after the half-time interval, providing the Stripes with fresh impetus for the second half.

Five minutes into the second period, 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 2-1 to the Colls after a generally comfortable performance with fitness the priority.

The high-pressing game from the rejuvenated frontline particularly impressed the home faithful.

The Colls are next in action tonight, welcoming Bury AFC to the Skuna Stadium - a side with many familiar faces and former Colls players amongst their ranks. Kick off is 7.45pm.