Manager on positives from game at Huish Park
Manager Darrell Clarke was happy with his side’s workout against Yeovil Town at Huish Park last night, though disappointed in the manner that they conceded a goal straight after half time.
The Glovers won the match 2-0 thanks to two goals from Ajay Leitch-Smith early in the second period.
“It was a good workout against a really good Yeovil team that’s just come out of the Championship.
“I thought we matched them really well for 45 minutes and at the end of the first half we were getting on top.
“The fact that we picked up two or three injuries is a disappointment and we are hoping they aren’t too serious, but it was a good workout for our boys.”
During the half time interval the players had been praised for a good first half performance, but conceded straight after the break.
“I praised the boys for the way we defended as a team and then we switched off after 20 seconds of the second half and that’s not acceptable.
“We have to start the second half of games quickly and a lot quicker than we did tonight.
“We looked quite attack minded at times. I played Lee Brown further up the pitch in a system the boys aren’t used to but we are working and progressing with it.
“The lads are all familiar with a 4-4-2 system and we are working hard at the moment on playing three at the back in order that we can be flexible with our formation during the season.”
Up front there was disappointment that Ryan Brunt had to go off in the first half, but there were some encouraging runs from Matty Taylor and his second strike partner of the evening, Jamie White, was only
denied a second half goal by a superb save from Chris Weale.
“Matty’s runs in the first half were very good and if the quality of our through balls had been a little bit better then he would have been through on goal.
“I think that he and Jamie White, when he is a little bit fitter, will score goals for us.
Of the injuries the manager said
“Ryan Brunt came off as a precaution, but it was nothing to do with his knee problem. It was because of a tight muscle down the side of his shin.
“Ollie Clarke has been suffering with a tight thigh and I don’t see him and Ryan have major problems.
“As for Lee Mansell, we will have to assess his knee injury in the morning.”
The manager is still looking to add to his squad and is gearing up for the big kick off on 9th August.
“It’s difficult to assess the development of the side at the moment as I have to balance things up. I don’t want many injuries and I haven’t got a settled side yet. It’s important that I get all my players fit for 9th August.
“You don’t get continuity in pre-season as you are always changing players during games.
“I think most managers would tell you that pre-season is difficult and, as far as we are concerned, we are adding players into the squad and looking at one or two young lads as well as triallists.
“I don’t look at any results in pre-season, I look at performances and how we are progressing.
“We aren’t going to be playing a team like Yeovil on 9th August. They play totally different to how Grimsby will play and it’s important that the lads know that.”
New signing Andy Monkhouse didn’t feature last night, though he did travel with the squad.
“He is a little but behind on his fitness levels which is why he wasn’t involved tonight He’s working hard, though, and will play some part in the game on Saturday.”
As for the triallists, it would appear that Neal Trotman and Daniel Thompson won’t be staying with the club, though the manager has yet to make a decision on Ryan Higgins.
“Ryan, a former Birmingham City trainee, has done well in two or three games and I think he’s a young lad with potential. I will make a decision on him in the next few days.”