HUDDERSFIELD Town boss Lee Clark was able to run the rule over some of his newcomers as his side notched a 3-0 win at Bradford Park Avenue.
Goalkeeper Ian Bennett, defender Gary Naysmith and Celtic loanee Graham Carey all made their first appearances for Town and Clark was happy with what he saw.
"It was a good fitness run out and a chance to find our touch and Bradford Park Avenue gave us a tough workout," said Clark.
"I know what to expect from the likes of Ian Bennett, who is very reliable, and Gary Naysmith, who is a Scottish international, and I thought that Graham Carey showed the quality that he possesses when he came on.
"And, with a young team out at Frickley, I am now looking to Saturday’s game at Bury when hopefully we give the players a little bit longer on the pitch and let things bed down a bit."
Clark started with a 4-4-2 formation before making wholesale changes 10 minutes into the second half, when he switched to a 3-5-2 set-up.
The first half was arguably the more productive, despite the fact that Town only scored once with the original format – Jordan Rhodes showing his gift for being in the right place at the right time to head in from close range after only two minutes.
Bennett, who played the whole 90 minutes, was equal to what little came his way, while Naysmith started in the left back slot and looked very tidy in defence and effective going forward.
Perhaps more eye-catching was the centre of midfield where the industry of Scott Arfield blended very comfortably with the guile and vision of Joey Gudjonsson as the two newcomers looked to make their mark.
Park Avenue keeper Ben Scott was their star turn as he denied a series of Town efforts on goal as Rhodes, Anthony Pilkington and Lee Croft all went close to scoring, while former Town winger Simon Baldry was arguably the best of Bradford’s outfield players.
The switch early in the second half saw Carey get his chance at left wing-back and he instantly made an impact with a stunning run that took him past three defenders on his way into the Park Avenue penalty area before being blocked out.
A penalty gave Town their second goal though it did look as though Arfield, who got up to slot away the spot kick, had trodden on the ball rather than being fouled.
The second half system did not seem as fluid of that of the first period but there were some very positive displays from Carey, and youngsters Jack Hunt at right wing-back and Chris Atkinson in midfield – and it was Atkinson who laid the foundations for Town’s third goal, releasing Gudjonsson on the right and Theo Robinson managed to guide the Icelander’s cross past the Park Avenue keeper.
Town (first half):@ Bennett, Peltier, Naysmith, McCombe, P Clarke, Croft, Arfield, Gudjonsson, Roberts, Pilkington, Rhodes.
Town (after 55 minutes):@ Bennett, Hunt, P Clarke, Kay, N Clarke, Carey, Gudjonsson, Arfield, Atkinson, Robinson, Simpson.
