Friendlies round-up

Brett Holman: Netted on his Aston Villa debut

Brett Holman netted on his debut to hand Aston Villa victory at Burton, Reading put seven past AFC Wimbledon and West Ham downed Southend.

Australia international Holman, a summer arrival from AZ Alkmaar, struck the deciding goal for Paul Lambert's side in the 83rd minute of their opening pre-season fixture.

Hosts Burton had earlier taken a ninth-minute lead through a long-range effort from Robbie Weir before Aston Villa drew level just before half-time following an own goal by trialist Marcus Holness.

Villa's Premier League rivals Reading and Everton had much more comfortable victories in their respective friendlies against two other League Two sides.

Top-flight newcomers Reading were among the goals as they thrashed AFC Wimbledon 7-0, with Simon Church leading the way with a 15-minute hat-trick in the second half.

His fellow striker Adam Le Fondre had notched twice to give Reading a 2-0 half-time lead, with the Royals' other goals coming from Michail Antonio and Jordan Obita after the break at Cherry Red Records Stadium.

Everton, meanwhile, beat Morecambe 4-1 with Francisco Junior, Apostolos Vellios and Jack Rodwell all netting in the first half before Victor Anichebe added a fourth after the break at the Globe Arena.

The match was a testimonial for Morecambe manager Jim Bentley and some charitable Everton defending allowed him to net a late consolation for the Shrimps after appearing as a substitute.

Arsenal won their first silverware of the season as they claimed the spoils in a three-team tournament at St Mary's which also included hosts Southampton and Belgian outfit Anderlecht.

The Gunners and Saints played out a 1-1 draw in the final game of the evening, with Jay Rodriguez and Gervinho on target before the Saints prevailed 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out.

Arsenal took the trophy having seen off Anderlecht 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Henri Lansbury, while Southampton slipped to defeat by the same scoreline in their opening encounter.

Convincing

West Ham eased to a convincing 3-0 victory over Southed at Roots Hall, with Sam Baldock once again among the goals.

The in-form forward grabbed the Hammers' third of the afternoon, after Nicky Maynard and Jordan Spence had put Sam Allardyce's side in complete control.

Of the Championship sides in action, Ashley Barnes hit a nine-minute hat-trick as Brighton won their opening pre-season friendly 5-0 at Maidstone and Charlton began preparing for life in the second tier with a 4-0 friendly success over Welling United.

League One new boys Coventry secured a rousing 8-0 victory over Hinckley, while new-look Preston secured a comfortable 2-0 win at Southport.

Byron Moore celebrated signing a new contract with Crewe by scoring in their 2-0 friendly win over Congleton and Billy Clarke was on target again as Crawley beat Bromley 3-2 in their second pre-season friendly.

Jon Daly netted a hat-trick for Dundee United as they claimed local derby bragging rights in a 3-0 victory over Dundee.

Elsewhere, Rory Fallon opened the scoring as Aberdeen routed Arbroath 5-1, Motherwell were thumped 4-0 at Ayr, Kilmarnock were edged out 3-2 by Livingston and Hearts began life under new boss John McGlynn with a 3-0 victory over his former employers Raith Rovers.