BORO SQUAD COMING TOGETHER

Bacup Borough's pre-season preparations continue to make progress with five games having taken place so far.

Solid preformances against Rossendale, New Mills, Route One Rovers, Chadderton and Moorside Rangers has given the manager an excellent opportunity to take a closer look over his squad and make evaluations of where things may need extra or additional work.

The new players coming into the squad have all performed admirably in the games they have taken part in. The movement, desire, communication and focus have all been on show during the past five games, and with further fixtures being arranged before the start of the new campaign this should give them even more time to gel with the existing team members from last season.

In defence we've seen Tyler Williams, Paul Sholobi, Dom Williams and Faith Okundaye all show their individual qualities and attributes within the games. And it's quite clear early on that their presence in the squad for the coming season will make Borough a stronger and much more compact unit going forward.

Tyler Williams has been an impressive figure in the Borough defence

The new signings being brought in to bolster the midfield are Luis Cantello, Jack Parker and Keaton Lewis. All three have shown excellent qualities in and out of possession. Have a good range of passing and will definitely not shy away from the physical aspects of the game.

Luis Cantello has shown impressive qualities in the Borough midfield

And in attack we've witnessed the hunger and desire of Jumaane Meggoe. Not only have we seen his movement to create confusion and space in the attacking third, but also his ability to find the back of the net. The game against Route One Rovers illustrated that when he was able to carve out two goals in the second half to guide his team to the win.

With Borough having no competitive football until the FA Vase clash with Glossop North End on the 23rd August, this gives Brent Peters the additional time he will probably need before deciding on his primary squad of players for that opening encounter.

Even the supporters are quietly optimistic about the new season. They have also seen enough during the pre-season games that suggests the new aquisitions are certainly here to strength on what we had last time around. All three departments of defence, midfield and attack have been improved and there could be a few disappointed players come that first game away at Glossop.

Talking to Brent after the game on Saturday to gather his thoughts on the progress so far, he said;

"I've been impressed with the players attitude so far. Today's game was slightly off compared to Tuesday night at Chadderton, but overall I'm feeling positive.

"The new players that have come into the squad have all shown their qualities during pre-season, and I'm sure that there's a few from last season that are getting a little bit worried about their position in the team. The fight for places has never been tougher and in my eyes that is a good thing.

"If we are being serious about pushing for promotion from this league then I need battlers. Players that are going to roll up their sleeves and give the club one hundred percent whether their in the starting eleven or on the bench. We don't need bad apples. We need warriors fighing for the same thing.

"Next Saturday we go to Lower Breck in Liverpool. That is going to be our toughest test yet. They've recently been promoted to the Northern Premier League and are looking strong as they plan for the new season. Our players will need to show us what qualities they bring against the better opposition. At this point of our preparations I'm not only looking at the players ability but also their character and attitude when things get uncomfortable. The word character means a lot in football because ability as you know can only get you so far."

Anybody interested in travelling to Liverpool on Saturday the game is taking place at the Anfield Sports & Community Centre L6 0AG