Matchday Memories: On This Pre-Season Day 2016 – Mowbray’s Men Nobble Newport!

CCFC gaffer Tony Mowbray

On this day  (23rd July) in 2016 eight years ago CCFPA gaffer Tony Mowbray was preparing his side for the upcoming League One season with a diet of seven pre-season friendlies. Near neighbours Nuneaton Town, in what was becoming a ‘traditional’ warm up date, had been beaten 2-1 in the opener and the Sky Blues narrowly lost the second game, in a brief foray into Austria, 2-1 against Sturm Graz. Back locally, last time out local non-league side Rugby Town were subdued by the Sky Blues, who won by the odd goal in three.

George Thomas in the Sky Blue

Today, four days later, City had travelled to Wales to meet Newport County and were pleased to come away with a clean sheet and score two goals themselves in front of a modest crowd of 869. The Sky Blues won 2-0 with a goal in each half from  George Thomas (two minutes before the break) and (later George’s fellow CCFPA member) Jordan Willis who netted just before the hour. The convincing win set the team up for a testing friendly in three days time at Carrow Road against Norwich City.

Marcus in the Sky Blue

Mowbray’s captain for the game was (now CCFPA member) Marcus Tudgay and he fielded the typical mixture of young  and more experienced players. George’s goal in a fairly nondescript first half was slotted home after some good link up play with Marvin Sordell. Jordan’s tap-in was also made by Marvin (who was the only City player to be yellow carded).

Jordan Willis in the Sky Blue

CCFC’s full match report can be found by clicking on the link here.