Don't let it slip: Ritchie

Aug 2 2007 by Dougie Thomson, Hudd Main

DON’T LET IT SLIP: RITCHIE

BOSS Andy Ritchie hailed Town’s impressive 2-1 friendly win over Blackburn but insisted: “It won’t count for anything if we don’t beat Yeovil on August 11.”

Two goals from Luke Beckett accounted for the Premiership big guns, who had to make do with an 89th-minute reply from Jason Roberts in front of a 6,901 Galpharm crowd.

“It was a very pleasing result, because they are a top-quality side who were going for it as well,” said Ritchie, who had called for a much-improved display in the wake of Saturday’s 3-0 loss at Rochdale.

“But the players know they can’t let that standard drop. We need to produce the same endeavour and desire to win at Mansfield on Saturday (Town’s final friendly) and at home to Yeovil a week later (the League I opener).

“We did some good things, but also some bad things. I think we contributed to a couple of their chances in the first half by not clearing our lines and playing the ball into the wrong areas.

“We had a talk about it at half-time, and in the second half, our decision-making was better and we didn’t allow them as much space.

“We created decent chances throughout the game, and hopefully the win has whetted the fans’ appetite to get down and support us against Yeovil.”

Ritchie left out experienced defender Frank Sinclair last night, explaining: “He’s had a good pre-season so far, but he needed a rest.”

Skipper Jon Worthington remained on the bench until the 65th minute as the manager looked at Michael Collins and Andy Holdsworth in central midfield.