EX-CAT HOURIHANE ON SONG TO BOOST BRUCE
VILLA MIDFIELDER’S HAT-TRICK SECURES FRIENDLY BOOST FOR TORUBLED MIDLANDERS
Former Sunderland midfielder Conor Hourihane bagged a classy hat-trick to help Steve Bruce’s Aston Villa ease to a 4-1 friendly win at League One neighbours Walsall last night.
Hourihane, who hit 11 goals last season as Villa’s campaign ended with disappointment in the Championship play-off final, needed just five minutes to make the breakthrough, firing home after a pull-back by wingback Ritchie De Laet.
The Irishman doubled the lead with a brilliant effort from 25 yards midway through the first half, and he completed his hat-trick early in the second period, deflecting a Henri Lansbury shot beyond keeper Chris Dunn.
Glenn Whelan added a magnificent solo strike.
Sheffield United were good 3-2 winners at League One side Bradford City, with striker David McGoldrick impressing on trial
John Fleck and Leon Clarke had the Blades two up, but Jordan Gibson and new signing Jack Payne hauled the Bantams level, only for Billy Sharp to snatch a late United winner.
Boss Chris Wilder, who also fielded trialist Luke Steele in goal, said of McGoldrick: “David showed his class. “We’re after top end Championship players now and he’s played at the top end of the Championship pretty much all his career.”
Sunderland target George Evans was an unused sub alongside ex-Black Cats skipper John O’Shea as Reading came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Besiktas.
Sam Smith, after a defensive mix-up, and Mark McNulty, from Sone Aluko’s cross, notched in the final six minutes for the Royals.
Sunderland agreed a fee for Evans with the Royals on Sunday and the Black Cats have been in talks over personal terms while the player remains in Austria.
Leeds United had Kemar Roofe and Luke Ayling to thank for a 2-1 success at Forest Green Rovers
Preston outgunned Irish hosts Cobh Ramblers 5-0, led by Tom Barkhuisen’s clinical hat-trick, with Tom Clarke and Graham Burke.
Angry Alan Stubbs dubbed St Mirren’s display against minnows Spartans “unacceptable” after watching them scrape to a Betfred Cup bonus point on penalties after a 2-2 draw last night.
The new Buddies boss – whose side host Jack Ross’s Sunderland in a friendly on Saturday – saw his men fall 2-0 behind before Stephen McGinn and Danny Mullen (penalty) rescued a 2-2 draw.
Stubbs, linked with exSunderland striker Anthony Stokes, said: “It was a frustrating night. It took the introduction of Stephen McGinn to really spark us into life. For me, that is not acceptable. The players didn’t set standards that I expect of them and it won’t be accepted.”