Following United's 2-0 win at Chester in the final game of pre-season, we spoke to First-Team Coach Gavin Skelton.
Speaking to CUTV after the game, he said: “A pleasing way to end pre-season.
“We spoke about it being a positive pre-season, and it's nice to finish in that way in terms of a positive result, a clean sheet and an all-round good performance.”
Elliot Embleton opened the scoring for the Blues in the 67th minute from the penalty spot, speaking on that Gavin stated: "He'll be delighted to score. It doesn't matter how you score; it's good for the confidence.
“It shows we've got goals in the team right through pre-season, the forward players have scored, which is pleasing.”
“It was an afternoon where we had to grind them down. Pitch was quite slow, grass was quite long, etc.
“But in the end, I think our energy and quality shone through, and we came out convincing victors.”
Embleton also showed his defensive prowess throughout the afternoon, helping his defence and pressing to great effect.
“Yeah, not just today.
“In training, people don't get to see that, but I think standards have been set in training, and we've managed to carry that out in the majority of the games, individually and as a team, which is pleasing and grows in confidence as we go forward.”
Chester proved difficult to break down, something the Blues may face often next season, but Gavin thinks the team will find answers, he said: “I think we might get that in time, so it's a good test for us.
“I thought we showed good confidence, not to panic, keep doing good things, good habits.
“And the big thing is the subs came on and made an impact, which is going to be a factor throughout the season.
“We feel we have a strong squad, so if it's not the starters that are really impacting the game, it might be the subs. I feel everyone contributed throughout the 90 minutes, which, going into the first game of the season, is pleasing.
“Like I say, we spoke about training being good, which is one thing, but we need to take it into games, which I think we've shown right through pre-season games.
“It was a nice way to finish off pre-season. I think we're all pleased to get to that real start, where there's a real competitive edge, which starts next Saturday.”
On the possible ways the Blues will look to break down teams, he said: “I think you've got to mix it up. I think you'll meet different tests.
“We have different attributes right through the team, so hopefully we'll be in a case where we can mix it up.
“If we need to go long, we can go long. If we need to play short, we can play short. If we need to play in behind or if we need to link the game, you've got to face different tests.
“You've got to have good rarity right through the team, and I think we feel we've got that.”
Regan Linney was influential in the second half, creating the second goal with his cross turned in by Chester’s Tom Leak in the 72nd minute.
“Yeah, good play. I think support runs from you at your full-backs, opening the game up, midfielders running into the box to occupy centre-halves and put people under pressure.
“Regan (Linney), we know he's a threat when he's in there, but the runs forward into the box put pressure on the defenders and caused mistakes, and thankfully that wasn't.
“I think it justified a decent performance, a commanding performance to win it 2-0.”
On Gabe Breeze returning to the team after illness, he said: “Clean sheet for the team. I think we spoke about it.
“I think clean sheets will be massive, that's obvious. But like results, it breeds confidence and becomes good habits, as victories and clean sheets do.
“So, it's good for Gabe, good for the defence, but good for the whole team.”
On pre-season as a whole, he said: “A lot of positives, I think you've seen it results-wise. I know you don't look into results too much, but it's always pleasing to win games.
“Like I say, I think it not just breeds confidence just in the team, it breeds confidence right throughout the club and the support, which is important going forward into our league campaign.
“So, a really positive pre-season, but we need to take that into the real stuff, which starts next week, and we're all relishing that and really looking forward to it.”
He continued: “I think most teams will be the same, but like I say, we come off a hard-working pre-season and we're confident, and we want to take that into a positive start to the season.”
And on the 300-plus supporters who travelled to Chester, he said: “Brilliant. I think it's common; it's not just lip service.
“I think it's common when we're warming up, with the support, the distances, the travel is fantastic, and we really appreciate it, and hopefully they can see what we're trying to achieve.”
