United manager John Sheridan was pleased with the work out his team got in what was a lively encounter at Mill Farm on Saturday afternoon, with his team made to work hard for their one-goal victory.
“It was a step up from previous games, which is what we wanted,” he said. “It was a good test for us. Obviously the pitch is better quality and we were playing against better opposition.
“Our fitness levels were good, which is what I wanted to come out of the game, and to win it is always good. Winning is a good habit to get into.”
“We could have scored a few more goals and they possibly should have scored a couple of goals,” he continued. “There are still things I want us to do better, but there are good things to take out of the game.
“The new additions came in and got pitch time, but just because I’ve signed them it doesn’t mean they’re automatically going to be playing. I want people pushing each other and competing against each other because that will make us better.
“The two new lads came in and got a good amount of minutes, but it’s difficult for them because they only had one day of training. I was pleased with them, they both looked fit and they got 70 minutes each.
“They’re both good players but it’s always difficult when you don’t really know anyone. They’ll get to know everyone next week and they’re going to be good players for us.”
“I thought we played well in the first half,” he told us. “We had the ball and created chances. We’re still looking at which system we’re going to play, and which players will fit into it.
“It will be about the players knowing their job description and how they need to play for the team. It’s all about the team, it isn’t an individual game.
“It was good to get some minutes for Gary Miller and Jamie Devitt who have both missed the last couple of games. They’re probably lacking match sharpness a little bit, but they both got 70 minutes which will only do them good.”
On the goal scorer of the only goal of the game, he said: “Hallam [Hope] looks really match sharp at the moment and he’s probably the shining light out of pre-season.
“He looks a goal threat and he’s creating chances. He hit the shot for the goal well, I know it took a deflection, but he’s struck it well and he looks very sharp.
“I expect us to create chances with the players we’ve got in the team, but I would like us to do a bit better defensively. Fylde had more opportunities in the game than I would have liked.
“I think sometimes, with no disrespect to Fylde, when you’re playing against good teams and you make a mistake you’ll end up getting punished. Luckily we didn’t in this game. Winning is nice but it’s about fitness and I thought we looked better today than we did in the previous two games. We looked stronger and sharper.”
With the addition of two signings late in the day last week, the manager also confirmed that work is still ongoing as he looks to add more to the squad.
“If I’m being honest with you I’d still like another four or five added to the squad, but I know what the circumstances are,” he told us. “We’re still working towards that and we’ll see what we can do.
“A right-sided centre half would be a good addition, but we’ve now got the basis of a good squad and any new faces are only going to make us even stronger.”
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