After a tough 80 minute work out in last night's 1-0 win over Blue Square North side Workington, Sean McDaid spoke to us about the game and how pre-season training has gone so far.
He said: "To be honest I wasn't expecting to play 80 minutes and my legs are feeling it now!
"But it's all in the bank and it's been a really good test for us this evening. It was another step up from the Kendal game the other night and it was very pleasing as a defender to keep a clean sheet.
"It's been really enjoyable in training since coming back from the summer break. I've not really had a proper pre-season for two years now due to the problems I've had with injuries so despite it being hard work I've been smiling every day.
"To get 45 minutes at Kendal was good and then just short of 80 minutes tonight at Workington was even better so it's all going well so far.
"It's been pretty easy working with the rest of the defenders since coming in. It's a squad game these days so you can't just rely on a set back four all the time. In these friendlies players are coming on and off all the time so you have to get used to different personnel. I've enjoyed it so far playing with Hartey and Murph and I haven't had the chance to play alongside Danny yet due to his injury but that'll come in time.
"It was a really good competitive game this evening and Workington certainly made it difficult for us. It was a bit like an FA Cup tie if you like, they were full of energy and constantly harassing us. These are the sort of games you want in pre-season and despite them being a few divisions below us they've given us a really good test.
"I thought the two young lads on either wing [Tinnion and Hindmarch] did well for them and certainly provided me and Frank with a tough test. I always like to get forward but primarily my job is to defend. We'd been told they were two of their better players and they certainly kept us occupied but we concentrated well and kept them relatively quiet.
"We're really looking forward to this weekend's game against Newcastle United now. I got the chance to see them up close at Doncaster last season and obviously they are a very good side. It's my first game at home and it sounds like there'll be a big crowd so I can't wait to get out there and play."
