Assistant boss Terry Connor was pleased with the Blues 2-0 pre-season victory at Shelbourne but says getting the players towards full fitness for the season proper is the main concern. Daryl Murphy struck twice after half-time to claim the win.

Connor said: “I’m always happy with a victory but that wasn’t the main concern today. The main concern was getting the boys playing after two weeks of pre-season work, getting them back on the pitch and moving again after their lay-off.”

“From that point of view the two teams that played for 45 minutes did ever so well."

Connor was in charge of the Blues at Tolka Park with manager Mick McCarthy absent having flown back to the UK yesterday.

“Mick was at a long-standing engagement for charity which is a year to year thing and it was unfortunate that it fell on this date and he was committed to it,” Connor explained.

“He knew we’d done the work during the last couple of weeks, so he was confident that we could carry on the work for a day.”

Photo: Action Images

AdScHi9678 added 20:04 - Jul 6 We always win when TC is in charge!
0

suffolkpunchdrunk added 20:08 - Jul 6 I predicted 6-1. Fool! I'll take 2-0. "Like the Murphy's, I'm not bitter".
0

Mark added 20:09 - Jul 6 It's good to start with a win, and well done to Murphy. Hopefully we'll see some of the other strikers notch up a few goals over the coming matches to put themselves in the frame for a first team start on 3rd August.
0

essextractorboy93 added 01:06 - Jul 7 Nice to see Murphy scoring a couple of goals. Just a fitness exercise really though, must of been a good workout as Shelbourne are halfway through their season.
0

brian_a_mul added 11:03 - Jul 7 The Shels team was made up of youngsters and reserves. The first team are playing a competitive league game today. Got a pic taken with Murphs! Delighted!!
0

LimerickBlue added 11:40 - Jul 7 Had a word with Murph and asked him how he felt about signing permanently for us and he simply said "f***ing relieved, mate"!
0

brian_a_mul added 20:18 - Jul 7 Hey LimerickBlue, another Tractor Boy from the Treaty! Yeah I had a few words with Murphs, he is delighted to be a Town player. Its great for his family to have dad settled in the area. Could be here for many years, captain material??
0

LimerickBlue added 20:34 - Jul 7 Didn't know there were any other Tractor Boys around the area Brian! Yeah, he seemed delighted, and himself and McGoldrick looked tidy up front together yesterday, hopefully bodes well for the season!
0

Blogs 298 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls