SWINDON Supermarine began preparations for the upcoming Southern League Premier South campaign with a thumping 7-1 victory over Royal Wootton Bassett Town on Saturday.

In Marine’s first pre-season outing, goals from six different scorers allowed Lee Spalding’s men to kick pre-season off in the best possible way.

The Webbswood Stadium outfit was meant to face Chipping Sodbury Town at the weekend before a couple of Covid-19 cases in the visiting camp meant a swiftly rearranged fixture was needed for Marine.

Bassett accepted Marine’s invitation, but after 15 minutes they may have wished they had not as three early goals put Spalding’s men in control.

Conor McDonagh opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a deflected effort before David Pratt tucked home a rebound three minutes later, and Jack Stanley slipped home a one-on-one chance shortly after that.

However, Bassett rallied and Cain Bradbury pulled one back before half-time with a fierce strike.

Pablo Haysham nabbed his first goal of the game in the 47th minute to resume Marine’s dominance, and an own goal made it five in the 55th minute following Ryan Campbell’s cross.

The goal of the game arguably came from Marine on the hour though, as excellent teamwork from Pratt and McDonagh allowed Haysham to net his second in fine style.

Substitute Zack Kotwica was sent on and bagged a superb seventh for Marine five minutes later. The attacker went on a mazy run before curling into the top corner from distance.

The two sides continued to battle for the remainder but no further goals were to come, and Spalding’s men were forced to make do with seven goals in their opening pre-season fixture.

Marine continue their Southern League preparations with an away fixture against Shrivenham on Tuesday evening (7:30pm kick-off).