Pre-season results rarely matter, but watching the young lads step up and grind out a 1-0 win over Wrexham at Yankee Stadium was good to see.
On a cramped baseball pitch in New York, Andoni Iraola handed valuable minutes to the next generation, and they delivered a performance full of grit and promise.
The opening exchange was tight and physical. Early efforts from Joshua Abe and Lewis Koumas tested our former stopper Danny Ward, while Phil Parkinson’s side proved to be no walk in the park.
Wrexham created a few nervous moments, but Giorgi Mamardashvili was outstanding in goal, pulled off some crucial saves and looked assured between the sticks.
As the second half unfolded, both managers made use of their substitutes. With Dominik Szoboszlai driving us forward and Curtis Jones dictating tempo from midfield, we gradually seized control of possession.
The moment of the night belonged to Rio Ngumoha in the 75th minute. Cutting inside with real intent, the youngster unleashed a strike that took a huge deflection off Lewis Brunt and looped over Callum Burton.
Wrexham threw bodies forward late on in the hope of claiming a draw, but our defence stood resolute to hold onto the clean sheet.
There is still plenty of fitness to build up before the Premier League season kicks off, but two wins from two on the US tour gives us plenty to smile about.
Onward to Chicago to face Leeds on Sunday.
