There was a sense of relief for Ronan Murray when Notts County’s pre-season fixtures finally got going, as it has been a gruelling couple of weeks for the squad.
The Magpies reported for pre-season training early and Murray admits that it is the hardest he has faced so far in his career.
With the games coming thick and fast between now and the season opener with Preston North End, the Irishman is looking forward to building up his match sharpness and aiming to get into the goal groove following his penalty finish in the 4-0 triumph over Arnold Town.
Murray told Magpie Player: “It was good to get a game because we’ve had two weeks of tough training with the RAF camp and the running sessions put on by the gaffer, Greg [Abbott] and LT (Lee Taylor), but it was good to get a feel of the ball and get out there again.
“Personally, this has been my toughest pre-season yet, it’s just been relentless but we’re going to be fit come the start of the season.
“Wednesday night was a good run out and it was good to get a goal to give me a bit of confidence in my finishing.
“We want to keep our fitness going and get our match sharpness by playing games - but hopefully we’ll get another win on Saturday.”
He added: “Hopefully we’ll get a couple more players in and get to know the new lads more over the coming weeks and I’m looking forward to it.
“We’ve only got four weeks left until the start of the season and we need to gel, so that only comes with experience of games and working together."
Match commentary for the Mansfield fixture will be available from 3pm on Magpie Player.
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