Stowmarket Town manager Paul Musgrove happy with off the ball performance in win over Ipswich Town Under-23s
Manager Paul Musgrove was pleased with what he saw from his Stowmarket Town players during tonight's home 1-0 pre-season friendly victory over Ipswich Town Under-23s.
A goal in the 16th minute – created by former Ipswich youngster Ed Upson and headed home by skipper Tom Bullard at the back post – was all that separated the two sides on a warm evening at Greens Meadow.
As you would expect the young Tractor Boys, with the likes of Callum Page and Tommy Taylor looking bright in the first half, retained possession well and kept Stowmarket honest throughout.
Truth be told they created enough openings during the second half to at the very least have avoided defeat, but the home side stood firm to ensure they made it two victories from two outings this summer.
Musgrove was particularly happy with the way his players operated off the ball, staying in shape and shifting sideways as a unit when Ipswich looked to switch play at pace.
"It was about what we're doing and our reaction off the ball," he said. "They pressed really well, so when we lost the ball, we wanted to see good reaction and how we returned to shape. Can we be disciplined after the disappointment of losing the ball? That's what games like this are about.
"I want to see progression, but also the hunger and the desire to do the right things. If we keep seeing progression from training to game – and we keep transmitting that – then we'll be happy.
"At Newmarket (last weekend, 5-1 win) and then this game, I can see a clear way that we're trying to play and the things we're trying to do.
"I'm keen to move on from last year because we fell a bit short. We've worked on the recruitment and a little bit of a different style of play. We want to mix it up a little bit to make sure we're better equipped to deal with those sides that are a little bit more direct.
"These Ipswich lads were not direct, but it gives us a good work out in keeping our shape and staying disciplined."
Earlier today Stowmarket were handed two all-Suffolk affairs away from home in the draws for the Emirates FA Cup and Isuzu FA Trophy. AFC Sudbury will be their hosts in the FA Cup, while in the FA Trophy they will make the short trip down the A14 to renew their rivalry with Bury Town.
Musgrove said: "It's a shame neither of them are at home, but they're good local games and one that a lot of people locally can look forward to.
"This is just our second season at this level and we've still got to earn the right and the respect. As I said when we were coming into the league, the likes of Bury and Sudbury, these are very established sides at this level.
"Just because we've had one season, we want to make sure we're not a one season wonder and we start to establish ourselves."
Stowmarket's pre-season friendly schedule continues next Friday evening when they travel to face Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division outfit Walsham-le-Willows.
