Boss happy with four-goal show
By Matt Johnson
Graham Turner was impressed with his side’s attacking fluidity after putting Championship side Birmingham City to the sword 4-2 at the Greenhous Meadow.
Jon Taylor and Tom Bradshaw caught the visitors cold scoring inside the first 11 minutes before Paul Parry and Darren Jones sealed the victory after the visitors had pulled matters back to 2-2.
“It was another good workout,” said Turner.
“I think for the first 20 minutes we played exceptionally well and probably took Birmingham a bit by surprise, we could’ve scored one or two more in that period too.
“Second-half they came out and got a lot tighter and played at a higher tempo and we’ve had to defend. We’ve found ourselves in difficult situations - which is what we want in pre-season, we want to test the back lads and the goalkeeper defensively. But in the end we looked strong in the finish and we scored another couple to win it.
“I think we’re beginning to come to terms with what we’re looking for, particularly the movement and the energy that we need to play the way we want to play and I think that’s been evident in the matches we’ve played so far.”
Tom Bradshaw scored a well-taken poachers goal after going the entire 12/13 campaign without one and GT was impressed with his front man’s impact. But bad news followed for the gaffer as Jon Taylor limped off injured.
“I thought it was a well worked goal. It was a good cross and Tom got himself on the move and it was a good goal-scorer’s finish, he can do that. Strikers who get on the move in the box will always get chances.
“It was a good performance from Tom tonight. There was a bit of room out there and he made the most of it, using his energy and pace and I felt he held the ball up well which is not normally one of his strengths.
“I think Jon’s just turned his ankle, we hope it’s not too serious but we’ll have to see.”
A Manchester City XI head to the Meadow on Saturday for the latest chapter of pre-season and Turner is relished the battle against a side coached by Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira
“I think it will be a Manchester City XI from the development squad. Vieira will be their coach, so after Drogba visiting, it will be nice to see another player who made a massive impact in the Premiership down here.
“I think when you get good relationships with the big Clubs, especially when they see how you try to play, you’ve always got that chance of getting players from them.”