West Ham United signed-off a hugely successful week in the Republic of Ireland with a 6-2 pre-season victory at Cork City.
The Hammers kicked-off their preparations for the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League campaign by going goal-crazy at Turner's Cross, with six different players getting on the scoresheet.
Alou Diarra headed in the opener before Joe Cole doubled the advantage with a low first-time finish. Adam Rundle pulled one back before half-time before Mark Noble uncharacteristically saw his penalty saved just after the interval.
Matt Taylor's long-range effort made it 3-1 before the youngsters took centre-stage. Paul McCallum headed in Danny Whitehead's inch-perfect cross before Noble made no mistake with a second spot-kick. McCallum then turned provider for Ravel Morrison before Cork substitute Danny Morrissey tapped in a late consolation.
All in all, the match provided fine entertainment for the 4,213 fans at the home of the Rebel Army, with hundreds of those present wearing West Ham shirts.
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS OF THE HAMMERS' 6-2 VICTORY ON WEST HAM TV
Assistant manager Neil McDonald was understandably happy with what was a good 90 minutes at the climax of a superb week of training at the Fota Island Resort.
"It was a fantastic workout. We've had a really, really good week and some superb training sessions and everybody has got through everything, so the base is there which is fantastic. We look forward to next week at Borehamwood and Bournemouth.
"I have to say we scored a few goals which gives everybody lots of confidence. We conceded a couple but that's what happens in pre-season and we've made a really good start.
"Everybody got 45 minutes and has had a really good week's training as well, so we're well pleased."
McDonald said every player and staff member had enjoyed their week in south west Ireland, from the facilities and food laid on at the hotel to the welcome they received from everyone at Cork City.
"I would like to think everyone was a winner. The facilities have been great and we've been well looked after and I don't think we could have come to a better place. All in all, it's a satisfying week, that's for sure."
The assistant manager was naturally pleased with the performances of youngsters McCallum, Whitehead and Morrison, while also delighted to see all the players blend together so well after just a few days on the training pitch.
"It was great. We've got a few young ones knocking on the door and we've got to do that on a regular basis. We're looking for consistency, not just from the young kids but from the seniors as well.
"We had a good mix in both games and everyone complemented each other and worked hard for each other. When the chances came along, we put them in the back of the net, so it was a great start but nothing to get too excited about.
"We've still got a lot of work to do and we need to make sure that this first week's training is under our belt. We move on and get stronger and fitter and better with and without the ball leading up to the Cardiff game [on 17 August], which is the most important game of the season."
West Ham return to England on Monday before contesting their second pre-season fixture at Conference South side Boreham Wood on Wednesday evening.
A year ago, the Hammers were held to a 1-1 draw at Meadow Park and McDonald is expecting a similarly testing evening this time around.
"Everybody who was in Ireland will probably be involved again. Everybody is fit so they'll play another 45 minutes and we'll switch the team around again, which will be a great experience for the young ones and a great workout for everybody.
"The pitch will be good and the atmosphere will be good as well. We're looking forward to it."