Consett started their pre-season preparations in pleasing fashion with a 2-0 win over a decent Boro Rangers side at a sunny Belle View Stadium.
The visitors, who won the Northern League 2nd Division last season at the first attempt, were no pushovers as they prepare for the top flight.
Kieren Aplin hit the post with a 20-yard free-kick before Wil Shaw gave the Steelmen the lead on 36 minutes with a header from Harvey Smith’s cross, pictured top.
Second-half goalkeeper Aaron Steavens made two good saves to keep Consett’s clean sheet intact as the visitors threatened more after the break.
And Nathan Greenwood got a second goal in the 85th minute to give the final scoreline a more convincing look, firing in a free-kick via the post.
Dan Capewell almost made it three, but saw his piledriver from the edge of the box tipped onto the bar by the keeper, while Shaw saw a strong penalty appeal turned down by the referee.
Consett’s next pre-season fixture is on Tuesday, 11 July, when they travel to Shildon for a 7.30pm kick-off. Admission is £5 for adults and £3 for concessions.
- Full match report and more pictures HERE.