A number of first team squad members were given the opportunity to gain some much-needed match fitness in the reserves against Bradford City on Tuesday.Jemal Johnson scored his first goal for the club in the 1-1 draw at Valley Parade, Gary Kelly, Rui Marques, and Hayden Foxe all made their comebacks from injury, and Academy boss Neil Thompson, who took charge of the side, felt it was a good workout.
"It was a good workout and everyone got a lot out of it," said Neil.
"The first team players acquitted themselves well and got some match fitness - they have to be ready for the next five or six weeks. When you're needed you have to be ready.
"Gary had 60 minutes, he's been out a while and he'll be glad to get back on the pitch.
"They all have to have their eye on the games coming up and the fact they might be needed. It's Important to get time on the pitch in their lockers."
Thommo was also full of praise for the younger members of the squad who featured at Bradford.
"It was the best I've seen Robert Bayly this season," added Neil.
"He was very consistent with his passing and his energy levels were good. Scott Gardner and Jonny Howson did well as well.
"As a team it took us 20 minutes to get going, but we created chances after that, got our goal and could have added to that.
"We had a lot of ball in the second half, but weren't incisive enough. And we could have closed their goal down a bit better."
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