Micky's thoughts after the pre-season win away to Altrincham
Town played their final pre-season game with a trip to Conference Premier side Altrincham.It was another tough test for Micky Mellon's team at a tight compact ground against a side who were also well into their pre-season games.
In the first half Town had the chances and the pressure but it was the Robin's who took the lead after Jayson Leutwiler was forced to give away a penalty. Town grabbed a goal back late on through Jordan Clark to see the game all square at the break.
In the second half Altrincham really came at Town and made a game of it but it took a little bit of class from Scott Vernon late on to calmly give Town the lead and a good win.
After the game manager Micky Mellon spoke to the press to give his thoughts on the game:”It was a very good work out and there was a lot to be pleased about and at this stage of pre-season I've a lot to be happy about.
“There are things still to be worked on, a bit of ring rustiness and other things that we can improve.
“Sometimes you come into these pre-season games and you come to certain stages of the game where you react differently than if you were trying to hang onto 3 points in the league.
“I've got to say I'm delighted I've got all the lads through, I don't think I've got any injuries and we'll now have the weekend off and then go again on Monday.”
It was another game where Town created chances but this time they took two of them. Clark and Vernon were on target but it could have been a bigger margin had it not been for the form of Robin's keeper Stuart Coburn:”I think their keeper has made some unbelievable saves and we are disappointed with the goal that we've given away.
“They are a confident group and the are chomping at the bit, it's my job to keep them on the bridle a little.
“I'm happy with a lot of things, I'm happy to go into the dressing room after the game and they are arguing in there as they aren't happy and are having a go at each other as they want to be winners.
“It was always going to be tough to come here and get a victory so we have to be happy with the nights work.
“I've got a great dressing room with great players in there and they've managed to get more good game time under their belts.”
Altrincham was the last game of the pre-season programme and the players and staff can look forward to a well deserved weekend off. The work then starts again as Micky gets his players ready for the first important game of the season, the season opener away to AFC Wimbledon:”Tonight is exactly how we wanted to finish off these pre-season games with three games in something like six days.
“We've come out of that period in good shape and we'll continue the build up work on Monday to make sure everyone is ready to go.
“We then start the preparation for the game at Wimbledon when the real bullets are flying and we are good to go for that.”