City looked settled from the start on a fine, warm night, with new boys Shaleum Logan and Gelson Fernandes acquitting themselves particularly well on the excellent surface.
The Blues opened the scoring from a sweeping move on 18 minutes through another debutante, Italian striker Rolando Bianchi. Onuoha started the move, and after Logan’s run down the right, the ball was crossed to Bianchi, who after a neat one-two with Mpenza put the ball home from close range.
Michael Ball nearly doubled the lead just two minutes later, his rasping drive going just wide after good work from Johnson and Mpenza.
City’s control was underlined by three chances within as many minutes, with Mpenza and Ireland integral in each move. On 27 minutes, Ireland’s low shot was well saved by Dick Last. A minute later, Mpenza scored after Ireland’s through ball but the goal was ruled out for offside, and then on 29 minutes the two combined again for the Belgian striker to shoot just wide.
But despite City looking bright and inventive, with Stephen Ireland lively down the left, the hosts levelled against the run of play on 37 minutes. In their first real attack of the game, striker Boyd Mwila latched onto a loose ball in the area and fired home past Isaksson.
City responded well following the equaliser and created two more chances before the break. On 40 minutes Michael Ball’s free kick was saved with his feet by Last, who then made a remarkable double-save a minute later. First of all he denied Johnson and somehow kept out Logan’s rebound. It rounded off a bright first 45 for the Blues.
Half time substitution was Corradi replacing Mpenza.
City restored their lead after seven minutes of the second half. Logan’s right-footed shot hit the post, but Corradi pounced from close range to give the Blues the lead they deserved.
The Blues extended their lead on 61 minutes when two substitutes combined, Vassell’s penetrating cross from the left being headed home at the far post by Georgios Samaras.
It became 4-1 on 64 minutes when Hamann fed Samaras, and the Greek striker laid the perfect pass for Shaleum Logan, who made no mistake this time with a low, right-foot drive.
Vassell was himself substituted after 69 minutes as a precautionary measure after appearing to twist his knee, Paul Dickov coming on in his place.
There were no more goals but with Laird replacing Ball with 11 minutes left every outfield member of the squad had seen some action.
It was a comfortable win, with Fernandes, Mpenza, Logan and Ireland particularly impressive.
