By Matt Bishop
Daryl McMahon has admitted he was ‘bored’ during Ebbsfleet United‘s pre-season friendly against AFC Wimbledon.
The National League newcomers welcomed their League One opponents to Stonebridge Road in what was their final warm-up match ahead of the upcoming campaign, and lost the game 2-1 after struggling during a tough first-half.
An improved second-half performance, inspired by some strong words from McMahon during the interval and a stunning Jack Powell free-kick, meant some pride was restored, but the Fleet boss was less than impressed.
Speaking to Radio Kent, the 33-year-old said: “I said to the players at half-time, I’m manager and I don’t know about the supporters sitting in the seats, but I’m bored watching it.
“It lacked any sort of thrust and cutting edge and what we’re about.
“We weren’t on the front foot and I thought in the second half we were better at that.”
Despite Saturday’s defeat, Ebbsfleet’s pre-season has offered some encouraging results, and McMahon is now raring to go as the season’s opener against Guiseley fast approaches.
“We’ve had a good pre-season in terms of performances, individually and collectively.” said McMahon.
“It gets to the stage when you come back in pre-season and you’re excited to be back because you’ve had six weeks off.
“Then you get to the end of pre-season and you are a little bit bored and looking forward to the start of the season when points matter and points count.
“But we’re getting there now and we’re looking forward to next week.”
