Manager Neil Harris has said he was ‘really pleased’ with elements of our play against Bromley last night but clearly there is still work to be done.
Taking in our first run out of the summer at Hayes Lane last night, a second half penalty from John Marquis and a Ben Thompson strike should’ve given us victory but for their late freaky leveller with Tony Craig’s own goal.
Using 21 players across the course of the 90 minutes, 12 of which being Academy graduates, there were a number of positives that Harris could take from his first pre season friendly in charge.
Speaking to the official site following the game, he explained.
‘It was a competitive fixture which we knew it would be. It was the first chance for us to play in front of our supporters but also with it being a local game we knew Bromley were going to have a right good go as well. Some of our play was really good, though at times it was a little rushed and impatient. But we scored two good goals and created of chances. We deserved to win the game but the important thing is that a lot of our younger players managed to get on the pitch and mix with the senior ones.’
With debutants across the game, and plenty of mixing and matching of players with potential partnerships to be built, Harris said it was the nature of the beast at the minute as he wanted to have a look at a number of players alongside each other and it wasn’t just defensively he was looking for signs of potential successful duos ahead.
‘We are mixing and matching all the time. It is a chance for me to look at different combinations, whether that is centre-halves, centre-forwards or wide players with full-backs. At the moment there is no real fluidness to our game which is the case is in pre-season. I remember that from when I was a player and I know it now as a manager. But it will come. Once I get more settled with who is playing where and what we’re doing then the boys will get used to each other. They are certainly taking on board the ideas we are putting across in training.’
He ended by saying that overall he was ‘really pleased’ with the vast majority of the run out but the aim now is to show steady and consistent improvement as each game passes – so now we move on to AFC Wimbledon.
With notable names missing from the game, physio Bobby Bacic also gave an update after the match and explained that whilst we knew some would be missing, they took the decision to not risk a few others like Lee Gregory.
‘We decided to hold back a few players who will play in the next batch of games instead. Jack Powell, Jamie Philpot, and Lee Martin will all take some part over the course of the next two games. The same applies to Carlos Edwards. After such a serious injury I’m sure everyone will appreciate that he needs a measured return to action. Lee Gregory, who has had a planned injection in his knee tendon, and Paris Cowan-Hall will look to be ready for the friendly away to Stevenage. Paris is doing very well after his minor strain and is doing extra work in the gym during the afternoons on top of his running and rehab.’
Be a big boost to see them all back and raring to go now ahead of the League One campaign.
Vital Millwall on:
Vital Millwall on:
Harris – Bromley Elements Really Pleasing
