MANAGER Andy Ritchie reckons it’s important to keep Town’s rocky pre-season show at Rochdale in perspective.
The boss admitted his disappointment by both the 3-0 scoreline and all-round display over at Spotland.
But he added: “We paid the price for an awful opening four minutes, when we conceded two goals. Over the rest if the game, there was only a penalty between us.
“After four wins from four previously, we have to treat it as a rude awakening, and if we learn the lessons, it will have been useful.
“Sometimes in friendlies, a defeat can be as useful as a victory because it provides pointers as to where you need to improve.
“We picked up a few things from the match and we’ll be working on them between now and start of the season.”
Ritchie and fitness coach Ed Baranowski led the players through as tough training session before yesterday’s annual pre-season photocall.
The squad were working on tactics and techniques today, and after tomorrow’s match against Blackburn, will have similar sessions before Saturday’s trip to Mansfield.
The Field Mill match-up will be Town’s final pre-season run-out after the postponement of the game at Farsley Celtic a week tonight.
Town will now send a side to Throstle Nest, where Farsley are preparing for Conference football under former Town defender Lee Sinnott, later in the season.
“The Farsley game was always intended to be a reserve fixture, but we have a problem because of the Academy trip to Ireland,” explained Ritchie.
“Because I want the senior players to have a free week in the build-up to the first match against Yeovil, we simply won’t have the personnel available to fulfil the fixture.
“I’ve spoken to Lee Sinnott to explain, and he was very accommodating, for which I’m grateful.
“I’ve said we’ll send a side there later in the season, and I’m happy to do that because I don’t like going back on an agreement.”
The Academy will play matches against University College Dublin a week tonight and Bray Wanderers on Thursday, August 9.
A Town Under 17 side were taking on Grimsby in a friendly at Storthes Hall this afternoon.
The Under 18s head to Tranmere on Friday.
