Brabin Wants Winning Mentality
Gary Brabin was delighted with the improved performance against Cambridge City on Tuesday evening.
The U's had to come from behind again after former U's striker Michael Gash put City ahead, but Mark Beesley scored his second goal in two games to level the scores by half-time, and in an entertaining game United edged the second half and created plenty of chances but were denied the win by several good saves.
"The lads have stepped it up tonight," said Brabin. "They've had two hard days; they had a hard weights session yesterday followed by a good couple of hours' ball work, and they've had a hard session today and I was expecting heavy legs so I was surprised at how sharp they finished the match.
"I've told them that I want to start judging them now. I want good habits and I do want to win games. Even though they're friendlies, I don't like the word 'friendly' and I want us to get a winning mentality. But at the same time between these games we're working hard and I think the lads will feel the benefit by the time the season starts."
Pleased with the number of chances his team created, the United manager added, "The number of chances we've had in the last two games is pleasing and I'm confident we will start taking our chances."
Brabin said before the game that he would start giving the players more minutes on the pitch and tonight the first substitutions did not take place until the 62nd minute, while four players completed the full 90 minutes.
He also took another look at trialists Matt Halliday, Pat Bexfield and Ramon Calliste (above), while Dutch winger Filino Jardin played the last half hour on the right wing.
"I'm trying to be fair to them and give them a chance while playing my own players too," he commented. "I'm judging them every day in training and I think they're enjoying it and they've not done themselves any harm."
Turning to Saturday's game at home to Everton, Brabin said he will approach it like any other game, adding, "We're getting fitter and stronger, and the work we're doing and these first two games will stand us in good stead for Everton.
"I'm really pleased with the way the lads are doing things and the way they're working hard behind the scenes, not just the games, and I'm confident that at the start of the season we'll be a fit team."
Our next match is at home to Premiership high-fliers Everton on Saturday (3pm). Tickets for the Main Stand are on sale now and advance purchase is recommended if you require a number of seats together. Contact the Ticket Office on 01223 566500.
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