Ipswich Town boss Paul Hurst described his side’s 1-0 victory at MK Dons this evening as their best of the pre-season so far.
Freddie Sears’ second-half penalty was enough to win it for the visitors, as he confidently stroked the ball home after Grant Ward was chopped down in the box.
While Hurst admitted improvement is still needed, he was pleased with what he saw and believes his side are making progress.
“I was pretty pleased, I think it was the best we’ve been so far,” he said.
“In particular our pressing to win the ball back high up the pitch, there were improvements there to be seen. The lads did it with more intent tonight, a better attitude towards that side of the game, which enabled us to have some opportunities we didn’t take advantage of.
MORE: ‘That’s news to me’ - Hurst responds after reports of Derby closing in on £8m Waghorn deal
“That’s probably the biggest standout for me, we’ve still got to stop making the ballboys and stewards be as busy when we’re in good positions. But certainly the best performance since I’ve arrived.”
Hurst’s Ipswich have scored just three goals during pre-season so far, with the Ipswich boss admitting his side need to improve their final ball if they are to be more of a goal threat.
“It’s not really some one being through on goal and missing target, it’s more the final pass or cross into the box. That’s where we’ve certainly got to be more clinical.
“Bart’s made a big save which would have made the scoreline 1-1 and if that’s finished like that I think it would have been an injustice to a lot of the work the players carried out over the 90 minutes. But if you don’t get that second goal you always leave your self vulnerable.”
MORE: Stu says: Five observations following Ipswich Town’s 1-0 win at MK Dons
Striker Ellis Harrison played a little over an hour on his first Ipswich appearance following his £750,000 move from Bristol Rovers, with Hurst impressed with what he saw.
“He’s mobile, he is a threat when we get balls in the box, he was unlucky in particular with one header,” Hurst said.
“He hasn’t trained with the players that’s his first outing. I’m pleased with how he’s already settled in with the group, he’s a good character in the dressing room and will be moving forwards. His movement was good so as we haven’t done any work with him yet it’s a very positive sign.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here