MJ Williams felt Bolton Wanderers' performance in the win over Watford was their best of pre-season so far and hopes their preparations help them start the League One campaign strongly when they begin against Ipswich Town.
Ian Evatt took his side to Watford's London Colney training ground yesterday afternoon for their fifth test of pre-season ahead of the League One season starting on July 30. Wanderers had played Wigan Athletic on Saturday before taking on the Hornets, who were relegated from the Premier League last season.
The Whites went ahead thanks to Kieran Lee's early strike, which Dapo Afolayan added to before the break with a sublime finish to double Bolton's advantage. It is Bolton's third victory of pre-season and a very encouraging performance against Championship opposition and a 2-0 victory.
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Wanderers begin their season on July 30 on their travels versus the Tractor Boys at Portman Road. Evatt's men did the double over Ipswich last season, including a memorable 5-2 victory on the road last campaign.
Williams spoke after the impressive victory over the Hornets and felt the Whites defended well when they had to against a side which was relegated from the Premier League last season. It was a victory which took place in humid conditions and ones they had to work hard for.
Wanderers returned for pre-season in the middle of June before heading off to a training camp in Portugal and Williams says this is up there with his toughest preparations ahead of a campaign. And he hopes their hard graft stands them in good stead for when the campaign starts at the end of July on the road against Kieran McKenna's side.
He said: “I think from the get-go we set out with what we wanted to do. When you come to play a team like this it can be tough, there are some top quality players.
“I think we controlled it. Obviously they had times where they controlled things but I think we played some great football and also showed that we can defend.
“We put a lot of hard work in during pre-season. I think it has been one of my toughest ones.
“It was humid on the pitch and it was a struggle to breathe at times but as a group we’re pressing at the right times, we’re together as a team, and the back line is high which means it makes it more difficult for them.
“Obviously there are times when they pick their way through but we have lads like Rico, Geth, Jack, Jonno, Will, they are quick, so we can afford it at times.
“Sometimes it can be hard when you are chasing a little bit but I think come the start of the season we will be used to it. The gaffer wants us to do it and we have trained all pre-season to put that hard work in, even the day before games. We haven’t taken a single step backwards.
“The whole pre-season has been positive but I do think this has been our best performance.
“We did have our six or seven weeks off but when we were coming back halfway through June you’re thinking ‘hang on a minute, that has gone quick!’
“The boys have been absolutely brilliant. The gaffer said he was going to put us through quite a bit of stress, and he definitely has, but we have stood up to it and come through it.
“Hopefully now as we come up to Ipswich we can start the season strongly."
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