Striker Shaun Miller made it three goals from three pre-season friendlies on Wednesday evening when he stroked a lovely finish into the bottom corner to give his side the lead early in the second half at Borough Park.
We spoke to him about the importance of these games as the squad now prepares for the trip to face Blyth Spartans on Saturday [kick off 3pm].
“It’s always nice when the games start to come round again,” he said. “That’s three 45 minute sessions under the belt and there have been a couple of goals as well, which is good.
“Scoring isn’t the be-all and end-all in these games though. It’s about getting your match fitness. The pleasing thing is to be getting into those positions and finishing one or two chances off.
“I’d like to think I score a variety of goals and when you have Nicky Adams in the team you know when he’s out wide he’ll be looking for the cross as soon as he possibly can. I’ll keep trying to get into decent positions and hopefully I’ll get a few more goals as well.”
“The thing with this team is that the creativity isn’t just one player,” he continued. “It was highlighted when I came from Morecambe that I had a great understanding with Jamie Devitt and that’s coming with other players as well.
“People like Reggie [Lambe] are always looking to put the ball into the area and our midfielders are constantly trying to play it through. It’s great to have all of these players behind you because it makes your job easier. From there it’s up to the forwards to put the ball into the net.
“I am pleased to have got off the mark but, being honest, I could probably have scored a few more. As I say, it’s all about getting that sharpness up and, when it comes, hopefully more goals will come with it.”
Hopefully my confidence will continue to grow through pre-season so that I’m firing when it comes to the first game of the season ...
Looking ahead to the rapidly approaching season, he said: “I want to improve on what I did last year. I want to play more and score more. Hopefully my confidence will continue to grow through pre-season so that I’m firing when it comes to the first game of the season.
“What we’re doing now is giving us the chance to show the gaffer that we’re ready. That’s why we’re playing at such a high tempo. The games are coming thick and fast but I think we like it that way.
“With Hallam [Hope] arriving recently it means we’re both finding our way and I’m sure there’ll be one or two more forwards still to come. Whoever is here we’ll all be pushing to be involved.”
And on the rigours of pre-season in general, he said: “It is tough, but I’m still walking at the moment and that’s the main thing. We’ll see whether or not that’s still the case after Cassius Camps!
“The key is to do the work and make sure you’re still feeling good because that means you’ll perform better. Mind you, the sooner we get to the start of the season the better because it is because it is very, very tough.”
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