Page 45 - Conor Chaplin News Today

Town boss Kieran McKenna felt his team ”looked in a pretty good rhythm” as they beat fellow Championship side Preston North End 2-1 at Deepdale in their toughest friendly test yet but says they still have room to improve.

Dominic Ball hopes his versatility can help him make up for lost time after the serious knee injury that disrupted his first campaign as a Town player.

Preston boss Ryan Lowe said he believes Town’s squad is ready for the Championship season now whereas his own is currently “a bit jaded”, following the Blues’ 2-1 victory at Deepdale last night.

Town have named their line-up for this evening’s friendly against Preston North End at Deepdale (KO 7pm).

Town boosted their confidence for their return to the Championship with an impressive 2-1 win at Deepdale thanks to goals from Conor Chaplin and George Hirst.

Forward Conor Chaplin was delighted to open his pre-season goals account as the Blues drew 2-2 with Flyeralarm Admira in what he felt were the hottest conditions in which he has ever played.

Sam Morsy scored twice and Tyreece John-Jules once as Town comfortably defeated AFC Wimbledon 3-0 at Plough Lane. Morsy netted the first on 12, Arsenal loanee John-Jules netted his first goal for the Blues three minutes after the break and the Town skipper lofted the third over home keeper Nik Tzanev on 57,

Town wrapped up their Austrian training camp with a hard-fought 2-2 draw at 2.Liga side Flyeralarm Admira. A fraught five-minute spell at the end of the first half saw Admira go in 2-1 ahead having scored either side of a Freddie Ladapo goal, before Conor Chaplin levelled for the Blues during a much-improved second-half spell.

Last season’s top scorer Conor Chaplin will be the first star guest on Life’s a Pitch TV, which is launched next Thursday.

Kurt Zouma’s 31st-minute goal has given West Ham United a 1-0 first-half lead over the Blues in this evening’s friendly at Portman Road.