By Matt Lawton
July 31 2004

Two first half defensive howlers set RMI on their way to a five goal mauling at home to an impressive young outfit from Premiership giants Manchester City. RMI started brightly and had much the better of the goalmouth chances in the opening exchanges until a mix up at a goal kick allowed Stephen Ireland to put the visitors in the lead against the run of play.

That lead was quickly doubled when a long ball over the RMI defence was misjudged by the RMI back four, allowing the ball to go over their heads and the sprightly Ireland to run through and claim his second.

Chris Simms almost pulled a goal back but his header from Warren Peyton's cross smashed against Kevin Ellegard's crossbar.

City then sprung the RMI offside trap to slot the ball past Ian Martin for their third before the same trick resulted in a fourth for City, who by this time were completely rampant.

RMI's second half performance was much improved and they had a couple of chances to pull back some consolation, but they still 'lost' the second half as well after RMI goalkeeper Ian Martin made a hash of a clearance, resulting in an easy City fifth.

Friendlies aren't about the result anyway.