Boss Mick McCarthy admitted that his side put in an under par display despite beating Barnet 1-0 in this afternoon's pre-season friendly at The Hive. David McGoldrick’s header and Scott Loach’s penalty save were the difference between the sides.
McCarthy said: "It was far from the best performance. I’m not going to stand here and tell you any lies about that. I thought they played very well, I thought they were excellent.
"I thought they passed it, kept it, made us run and chase. Loachy has had to pull a save off, and it was a good save, so that’s great for his confidence. But all in all it’s another day’s training. Another little bit in the bank ready for August 3rd.”
While he didn’t think his team were on song against the Bees, he felt they were much better in midweek: "I thought we were really good at Gillingham but I wasn’t waxing lyrical about it, was I?
"[I don’t get particularly concerned about performances at this stage] because throughout the season, through 46 league games we will play badly and win. We’ll play exceptionally well and get beat.
"Today, we didn’t play well, I thought they did, but we won the game. I know we’re playing against a Conference side, but I’m pragmatic about all that — you win the game, whatever you do, you win the game. And it’s just another little bit ready for the 3rd and a little bit of learning for the players and for us.”
New signing Frederic Veseli came on as a second half sub and McCarthy says he was delighted to add the former Manchester United and Manchester City man to his squad: "He’s only 20, there’s work to be done with him yet.
"Is he the finished article? I’m not sure, probably not, but there’s plenty of potential and he and Elliott Hewitt have got to fight for that right-back slot. Gives a bit of healthy competition.”