Blues: Boss happier with second half

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WATCH: Neil MacFarlane reacts to the 2-1 defeat to Birmingham City

BOSS Neil MacFarlane had frustrations and positives to take from the friendly with Birmingham – left far happier with his team’s second half showing.

The Reds were fairly slow to start against the Blues and fell behind early thanks to a goal from Odin Bailey in the sixth minute.

The second period was far more like it for MacFarlane with his team looking a greater threat – equalising through Joe Ironside, who also had an earlier effort chalked off for offside.

While the visitors did go on to win the game, it was the improvement after the break that left the gaffer happiest.

He told our YouTube channel: “I thought in the first half we played too safe and too slow – like a typical pre-season game at times.

“But in the second half I thought we were very, very good and again, that is what I want from the team – to be energetic, on the front foot.

“We made a number of chances and, overall, I thought we were very good second half.”

Ironside and new signing Ashley Chambers worked tirelessly after the break and certainly caught the eye of their manager.

“The offside goal was fantastic football,” added MacFarlane.

“It was lovely one-touch play with a lot of our kids involved in it as well which is pleasing.

“Joe was a real threat up day with Chambo up top – his work ethic along with Chambo was fantastic.”

WATCH: Highlights from the Birmingham City friendly, exclusive to our YouTube channel

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