John Askey delighted by 'encouraging' Shrewsbury Town pre-season showing
John Askey hailed his Shrewsbury side’s 1-1 draw at Bristol City as ‘really encouraging’ as Town more than matched their higher-ranked hosts.
In their first open friendly of the summer, Shrewsbury fell behind against the Championship Robins to Callum O’Dowda’s strike but hit back through Stefan Payne’s crisp finish five minutes later.
Askey utilised all of his newly-assembled squad, changing things for a almost entirely different XI around the hour mark.
Both sides enjoyed chances but it was the visitors who looked more dangerous going forward.
“It was really good,” said a satisfied Askey.
“Wednesday (friendly against Kidderminster) was about getting minutes under the belt and not doing too much.
“These games are the ones that really test your fitness and I thought it was a really good work out for everyone.”
Askey believes the draw will bode well for confidence within Town’s ranks as they progress to games against Burnley, Brentford, AFC Telford and Port Vale.
The boss was especially pleased to see last season’s top scorer Payne off the mark. He linked well with Lenell John-Lewis to fire home a confident equaliser.
Centre-forward Payne was played on the left of Town’s attack in an initial variant of a 4-5-1 or 4-3-3.
“It helps with confidence, I thought it was really encouraging,” Askey added.
“I played Stefan wider today and I think it suited him.
“He looked dangerous all game and I was really pleased with him. Not just his goal but his work rate and his appetite for the game.”
Around 50 vocal and vibrant Town fans got first glimpses of new signings Aaron Amadi-Holloway, Kieran Kennedy, Fejiri Okenabirhie, Alex Gilliead and Ryan Haynes.
Three trialists were in action, goalkeepers Steve Arnold and Ben Wilson and midfielder Doug Loft.
Askey says it is difficult to make short-term judgements on the players and will continue running the rule.
He added: “I thought they did well. Steve looked solid in goal.
“Dougie lasted the full hour and I know he can obviously play at this level.
“It’s just fitness really. I thought they did well.
“Hopefully we can have them back and make sure. They’ve got to be right. It’s difficult going on one game and a bit of training - we’ll see.”
