Neil Ross explained the contrasting styles of new signings Ousainey Juwara & Fares Djermoune and last season’s front two Reggie Waud and Louis Fialdini as the formers enter the Ilkey Town friendly on Monday evening now having scored their first Farsley goals.
The duo scored their first Farsley goals in the U23s’ victory over Alwoodley in the last match after successful trials in the summer and Neil Ross confirmed his starting 11 isn’t picked yet.
“Yeah they add something different. The pace and power of Juwara and the inventiveness of Fares which we haven’t really got in terms of sharp and short. But Juwara’s unavailable for Monday which is unfortunate because I’d have probably started him [..] and seen how he got on. Fares is available so it’s a case of slowly building them into the group, giving them minutes and see how they get on.
“I think the squads there or there abouts, I wouldn’t say the starting 11 is picked yet. That goes on Monday and depending when the fixtures start, we might be able to get another friendly in between now and the start of the season.
“There’s been a few changes but generally I’m happy with the way the side’s gelled together. I think the last few games have proved that they’re slowly getting together as a group, as a unit. I think match fitness will be a big thing when it comes to competitive games but we’ll only get that through games.
“I think we need to use Monday as, it’s still a friendly so it is used for match practice and fitness but it also it really is a build up to the start of the season, which will hopefully be in the next few weeks so I’ll be using it as getting an idea for getting a starting 11 for the start of the season”.
A first-team debut and professional senior debut was awarded to Fialdini in Saturday’s 1-1 draw vs Kettering so Ross is waiting to see how many minutes he and Mitchell Fox, an unused substitute in the same game, play in the first-team’s game on Monday afternoon to confirm their availability.
Asa Mitchell has returned to training with Thackley and although expected to be fit to play for the U23s on Monday, the match coincides with Thackley’s match.
“I’ve already spoke to Louis about that and we’ll manage it depending on how many minutes he gets In the first-team on the Monday afternoon and if he doesn’t come on then he will play [for the U23s]. It’s just about taking it from here and seeing how the game goes in the afternoon with Louis and Mitch.
“He text me a few days ago saying he’s been training back at Thackley and he feels alright so I’ve actually text him today to see if he’s available Monday or not so we’ll look at getting him back involved. But I think Thackley have got a game Monday”.
Ilkley’s Ben Rhydding Sports Club host the U23s on Monday evening, 7:30pm kick-off.