James Scowcroft is once again Town's unlucky man with a hamstring injury putting him out of the pre-season tour. Scowcroft missed the play-off final with a hamstring tear sustained during the second leg of the semi-final with Bolton and is hoping this new problem isn't related: "I desperately hope it's not the same problem I suffered over the closing stages of last season. That really set me up for a heartbreaking time."

Scowcroft isn't the only injury worry for Town. As well as Town's number 10 Tony Mowbray, Martijn Reuser and John McGreal all missed out on last night's 2-0 victory over VPS. McGreal has foot tendinitis, while Mowbray and Reuser are suffering from minor strains. Keith Branagan also picked up a minor knee problem towards the end of last night's match.

Town left Finland today for Tallinn in Estonia where they will play the superbly named FC Flora before spreading their wings and moving onto Latvia's capital Riga where they take on the unexcitingly monickered FC Riga.

Last night's game was an understated affair with Town resting several key players. Both Richard Wright an Matt Holland were unused subs as they had missed much of early pre-season due to their summer exertions with England and Ireland.

Both Town goals were scored by David Johnson, the first in the 32nd minute after a flick from Marcus Stewart and the second wrapping the game up in the closing seconds. Full side: Branagan, Croft, Clapham, Scales, Bramble (Thetis 45), Brown, Niven, Magilton, J Wright, Stewart (Logan 70), Johnson.

Photo: Action Images

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