A round-up of pre-season friendly action involving Football Conference clubs...
Blue Square Bet Premier newcomers Darlington were comfortably beaten 3-0 by npower League Two side Carlisle United at the Northern Echo Arena on Friday night.
Although Darlington produced another resilient performance in the first hour, the home side ran out of steam and their opponents capitalised in the last quarter.
Ian Harte put the Cumbrians ahead in the 17th minute from the penalty spot, although the penalty decision seemed unfair on the Quakers.
Youngster Ryan Bowman doubled their lead after 73 minutes and substitute Andy Cook completed the scoring in the 89th minute.
Forest Green Rovers edged an entertaining friendly against Uhlpsport Hellenic League neighbours Shortwood United with plenty of positives for both teams.
Highlight of the night for the visitors was a spectacular first half volley from James Baldwin against his former club, but a flurry of late goals and even a missed penalty ensured there were some genuine derby fireworks.
Rovers led through Baldwin`s 37th minute effort until 8 minutes from time when Lee Ayres headed home Jon Else’s corner.
A minute later Jake Davies struck a dipping shot from all of 35 yards which caught out substitute keeper Gavin Carlin for Shortwood`s consolation.
A Luke Rooney hat trick helped Gillingham to their fourth successive pre-season win at Woodside Park against Blue Square Bet South side Bishop`s Stortford.
With two friendlies in 24 hours, former Dover Athletic manager Andy Hessenthaler mixed-up his personnel, fielding a number of first-team regulars alongside triallists – one of whom, Jason Norville, netted their other goal on the night.
Stortford restored some pride for home fans in the 74th minute after a defence splitting pass allowed Leon Antoine to cut in behind Josh Gowling, round Lance Cronin and coolly slot home into an empty net.
On paper, Blue Square Bet South new boys Farnborough cruising to a 3-0 victory over Conference Premier side AFC Wimbledon at the Rushmoor Stadium looks ominously good for Boro fans.
However, it was very much a second string Dons` XI.
The home side started well and took the lead in the 4th minute when James Smith bundled the ball in from close range.
The lead was doubled in the 72nd minute through Bradley Bubb, who finished coolly.
And Bubb (pictured) showed his electric pace minutes later in grabbing his second and Farnborough's third of the game, slotting the ball past the onrushing Jack Turner.
Scott Murray netted the only goal of the match between newly-promoted Bath City and Blue Square Bet North neighbours Gloucester City at Twerton Park.
Blue Square Bet Premier newcomers Newport County brushed aside a Wolves team in front of an excellent Spytty Park attendance of 1,250.
Craig Reid struck the two goals in a first half dominated by County, as the visitors struggled to make any impact on the game.
A spectacular mazy run from Giuseppe Sole set up the first goal on 10 minutes, but Reid’s strike was something to savour as he curled the ball around Wolves keeper Aaron McCarey.
Danny Batth chopped down Sam Foley in the 27th minute and Reid sent McCarey the wrong way from the penalty spot, and while County made seven second half substitutions, their grip on the game was scarcely tested.
