Steven Schumacher is pleased with how Wanderers’ pre-season is ramping up after chalking up another win in their warm-up schedule.
The Whites followed up their 2-0 success in Spain over Orlando Pirates with a 1-0 win at a windy Barrow before preparing to head to Scotland this weekend for a further test against Scottish Premier League outfit Hibernian.
Max Conway’s first senior goal and another clean sheet combined to give Schumacher’s men victory over the League Two Bluebirds, who made it a decent work-out which featured all of Wanderers’ fit senior players – including a first appearance for new winger Thierry Gale.
“It was a difficult test for us at times in the first half; long balls, direct play that we had to deal with and a couple of set pieces caused us a problem, but it was loads better in the second half and positive to keep another clean sheet,” said Schumacher.
“You don't want all the same type of games in pre-season. The Tranmere game (a 1-1 draw) was a real nice football game, the game against Orlando Pirates was dealing with speed and runners in behind where we had to be really organised, out of possession, and today was a bit more probably what you're going to face in a lot of the league games.
“Again, it's what pre-season's for. It's to iron out the little things that you're going to face during the season. But, all in all, it was positive, especially second half. For 15 minutes before we made all the changes, we were really good.
“We got in behind a few times, we got a good goal, and in the last half an hour it was positive as well. We were just lacking that second goal to finish it off.
“We've come away from it with another victory, which is good. It builds a winning habit and everyone comes away without any injuries, which is the main thing as well in pre-season.”
Wanderers changed almost all their side after an hour and Schumacher will continue to spread the game time at Hibernian on Saturday with the start of the League One season to follow a fortnight later.
But he expects the levels to rise at Easter Road where the Whites will be back by over 1,200 fans when they face a side which finished third in the Scottish top last season to qualify for the Europa League.
“I watched a bit of Hibs today,” added the Whites’ Head Coach. “They played the German team (Rot-Weiss Essen) at home last week and were really strong. They've got a European game as well a couple of days after they play us, so they'll be ready to go and firing.
“I've heard we've sold a load of tickets, which is brilliant and it will be good to see a load of our fans. It was great to see so many of them travel over here (to Barrow) as well.
“It’s all positive so far. Obviously, there’s loads of work to do for us still. On the transfer front, we're still trying to still bring people in and make us stronger before the season starts, but we're getting closer. Two-and-a-half weeks to go and we need to make sure we're ready.”
Watch the full post-match interview with Schumacher on Wanderers TV