Mehew happy after Tigers hold Newport

GLOUCESTER City boss Dave Mehew has heralded the club’s pre-season campaign as a success after a battling 1-1 draw with Newport County on Saturday.

Playing in their first official home game at their new Whaddon Road home, City put in a positive performance against the Blue Sqaure Bet Premier new boys.

Summer singing Darren Mullings opened the scoring for City before the Exiles hit back with a goal from striker Guiseppe Sole, but City were never outclassed.

And with less than a week remaining before the Tigers open their Blue Square Bet North campaign against Workington, Mehew is happy with his team’s preparations. “It was a good workout, they may not have started with their first team but it was still worth ten times our budget and we had a couple out, so I’m quite pleased really,” said the City boss.

“When you look at pre-season as a whole you’d say it was very good.

“We lost to Cheltenham, who are in League Two, and Bath City, who are in the Blue Square Premier, when we had seven out with injury.

“So given that I would actually call it a success, but we move on and it’s a tough game this Saturday at Workington, but we'll go there with some confidence after this performance.”

Mehew confirmed the signing of ex-Manchester United and Reading trainee Mitchell Bryant.

The 19-year-old front man, who scored six in a game for Basingstoke Town against Weymouth last season, will strengthen a strike force weakened by summer departures and injury.

Prior to Bryant’s arrival and with Will Morford still out with injury, Mehew had only one fit striker in his squad, Mike Symons.

But with speedster Bryant and attacking midfielder Mullings both capable of playing at the front of the team, Mehew is happy to have options.

“Mitchell can play in two positions and he has some pace, which we're missing with Jack Pitcher and Lee Smith going,” said Mehew.

“He has quality and I have options with him. As for Darren Mullings, you want competition in all places and he’s proved that he can play in midfield or off the front.

“Whatever I decide to do, I know there is competition for places. If I go with Tom Webb and Matt Rose they know that they have Darren Mullings behind them and vice versa.”

City complete their pre-season preparations with a trip to Stonehouse Town this evening.

Kick-off at Oldends Lane is at 6.30pm. Entry will be £3 for adults and £2 for under-16s and OAPs. Drinks and refreshments will be available.