Lawrence Comments On The First Tour Game

By: Bill Osborne
Date: 23/07/2001

LENNIE LAWRENCE is not too concerned about the Mariners' 2-2 draw against Swedish first division club Ystads FF, explaining that the first game was a training workout and a method of improving fitness rather than a competitive match.

The Grimsby Telegraph who are following the Scandinavian tour reported that Lennie flew back to Malmo in the early hours of this morning after a scouting trip to Norway and said that improving fitness had been the key aspect of the tour's first game.

"It was a good workout. It was obviously our first game and some players are able to pick up the pace straight away. The pace and the match fitness is easy for some to acquire. Others need more games and they'll get them."

On Phil Jevons he said: "The first 20 minutes he looked good but his lack of match fitness and sharpness showed. He did well, knows where to go and makes some good runs."

"...We have to get on with it..."

The game was not without incident with some skirmishes reported on the pitch with Pouton and Campbell bearing the brunt of Ystads' frustration in the second half.

"They do turn like that, these Scandinavian games. It won't be the first time but as these teams get tired late on they get physical. Nobody's injured but there would have been some sendings off and bookings for some of the challenges if it was in England. But it's part of the education in a foreign country - we have to get on with it."

"We would have liked to have won but the disappointing thing was the nature of the goals. They were soft goals, but it's better than winning 5-0. You learn more that way."

"What's important is that you get a good workout and that the facilities are good on these trips. They are here."

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