Butler reflects on Appleby Frodingham test

First team manager Andy Butler reflected on his side’s second pre-season encounter as the Iron lost out to local side Appleby Frodingham.

Danny Whitehall and Declan Howe had put United 2-0 up, with the hosts, enjoying a record crowd of 924 at Brumby Hall, hit back to eventually win the encounter, despite a plethora of chances for Butler’s side.

Speaking after the game, the gaffer said: “The result is the result, I’m not really fussed about it, it’s more the levels. 

“To be fair the lads have had a tough session today, and we want them to play these games under fatigue. There’s still loads to work on, but we are only in our second week, and I’m not reading too much into it. It’s a good occasion for App Frod, a good crowd, and I wish them all the best for their season.”

Just over a week since the full squad resumed full pre-season training, Butler affirmed it’s straight back to the training ground to continue preparations ahead of the Enterprise National League campaign.

“We get straight back to work again - it’s pre-season for a reason,” he continued.

“It’s good that these things happen, so we can look at it and reflect on it. We created a lot of chances and should have been more clinical in front of goal. Defensively, we need to be a bit more sound, but we’ve not done any unit work yet. It’s been basically getting the baseline fitness in. I’m not going to berate my side for losing a pre-season game, it’s one of those things.

“The lads have had a tough time so far, and will play under fatigue again. It’s good that we get challenged, and it’s about the reaction. This is what is good about football, it’s never straight forward, it’s unpredictable. I’m pleased that it’s happened now, and not further down the line.

“We now see what the team is made of. It’s good to have a test of character. It’s been another useful training session, and another opportunity to see some more of the players.”