Taylor Gardner-Hickman was pleased to see the work he’s been putting in during pre-season training pay off in Wednesday night’s friendly against Salford City.
The midfielder scored twice in three second-half minutes, firing a right-footed effort high into the roof of the net before dancing round a number of Salford defenders and then curling the ball into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.
Gardner-Hickman revealed he’s been working closely with coach Michael Hefele on getting the ball out from under his feet and getting shots off on target.
The academy graduate also spoke about the squad practising how and when to press out of possession, with Taylor benefitting from Albion winning the ball back high up the pitch for his second goal of the night.
And TGH says it's great to see evidence in matches of methods developed at the training ground.
Gardner-Hickman said: “I’m really pleased to have scored two goals tonight.
“I think if I had to pick a favourite it would have to be the first one because I’ve been working on that kind of thing with Michael Hefele in training, getting the ball out of my feet and getting strikes off on target.
“I’m happy that the work we’re putting in in pre-season seems to be paying off in that aspect.
“The second goal was actually really good pressing from the lads to win the ball back, and again, that’s something we’ve been working on in training.
“It’s so nice to see that things we are working on are coming to light in the games. Hopefully we can replicate that when the season starts.
“In terms of how I feel pre-season is going for me personally, I can say that I feel very good. I feel fit and sharp and the coaching staff and the manager are working us really hard to make sure we’re ready.
“It’s been good because we’re not just working on physical stuff and running, we’re working tactically and technically too.
“There’s a real togetherness and that’s only getting stronger and stronger each day.”
