United striker Paddy Madden was pleased to get back into his stride, as he and his teammates returned to action in South Lincolnshire on Friday night following their pre-season break.
Two first half goals from new signing Duane Holmes, and a fine finish from Madden in the second period, sealed a comfortable 3-0 victory over Stamford AFC, as the Iron played their first fixture of the summer.“Just like any pre-season game it’s always a little tough getting back into it,” Madden told The Iron PlayerHD.
“The lads moved the ball around well. The pitch was a little heavy, and the grass was a bit high but you’re going to get that in pre-season games. All-in-all it was a good workout.”
United ended last season with six straight victories, and they showed no sign of having forgotten that winning feeling - oozing confidence throughout - as manager Graham Alexander chose two different sides to play each half.
He continued: “It’s always good to get off to a winning start and keep that winning mentality up. The lads went out and put in a good professional performance, and it was a decent 3-0 win.”
United’s Levi Sutton provided the cross that led to Madden’s goal, and the Irishman was full of praise for the youngster.
He said: “It was a great ball by Levi and all I had to do was get across my man, and luckily I did that.”
The team’s top scorer from last season seemed pleased to be back in training, as the players aim to get back to match fitness as soon as possible.
“You have to roll your sleeves up and get to work, and you need to get fit," he stated.
“It was a good break, and we had seven or eight weeks off, so you’re going to get a little unfit. It’s important you work hard in pre-season so you’re ready for the start of the season.
“The Gaffer has brought in some good additions to the squad, which is only going to help us. We’ve got almost the same squad from last year, so that will stand us in good stead too.”
The players and management headed out to Austria on Saturday for a week of training, including two friendlies against Austrian opponents.
Madden’s looking forward to the week, but knows the hard work that will need to be put in.
“It’s going to be a week of hard work," he stated.
"We expect the two opponents to be tough, but we just have to make sure we go out there and give a good account of ourselves.”
See much more from Paddy Madden on The Iron PlayerHD.
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