MALVERN Town boss Les Jones has insisted he is not concerned that his squad have conceded 13 goals in the space of two games.
Following on from their 7-3 defeat to Midland League Premier outfit Westfields last Thursday, the Hillsiders slumped to a 6-2 loss at the hands of Western Premier side Bradford Town on Saturday at the HDAnywhere Community Stadium.
Goals from Dan Cottle (2), Karim Rendall (2), Leon Greenland and Chris Peck secured the win for the Wiltshire-based side while Sean Smith and Harry Wickett provided Malvern with late consolations.
Despite losing the last two pre-season friendlies and conceding 13 goals in the process, Jones told the Observer he’s confident individual mistakes will be ironed out before the new season gets underway – starting with the FA Cup extra preliminary round clash against Rocester on Saturday, August 6.
He said: “Saturday was just a fitness exercise for us as players like Jamie Smith and Dene Whittal-Williams needed game time and Luke Corbett, Nathan Hayward and Bryan Craven all needed a rest because they were carrying knocks.
“There’s nothing concerning me at the moment because it’s only pre-season but we hope the individual mistakes we’ve made over the last two games are just pre-season mistakes.
“What will be concerning for me is if we make those kind of silly mistakes in the FA Cup and league games.
“Pre-season is all about improving fitness and shape. I’m delighted with the squad I have and I’m confident we can do well in the league this year.
“On the face of things, playing four times in the space of seven days was probably too much but the lads have got a break now so hopefully they will return all fit and raring to go.”
Malvern return to pre-season action on Friday when they entertain West Midlands (Regional) Division One side Kington Town before travelling to Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West outfit Evesham United on Tuesday, August 2.
“The confidence in the dressing room is still high as the squad know they’re a good group of players and hopefully they can put on good performances in the next two games,” Jones added.
“Both games will be a real tough test for the players but my hope is those games will make the sure the squad can hit the ground running once the season starts next week.”