In a spirited workout, Breacker’s side went down 2-1 against a young West Ham team. However, Breacker was encouraged by the intensity at which the game was played, and the effort put in by some of his more senior players.
Eric Sabin, Warren Barton and Steve Palmer all enjoyed a full 90 minutes, while Shittu, who was originally ear-marked to play only three-quarters of the game, was allowed the entire 90 minutes, after consultation amongst medical staff and management.
After enjoying the bulk of the early possession, Rangers went a goal behind against the run of play. However, Richard Pacquette, again found his mark, and levelled the scores mid-way through the term.
But a lapse at the back created another opportunity for the Hammers, who knocked in their second to go in 2-1 at the break. They held on through the second half to their slender lead, but it was the work-out rather than the eventual score that had pleased Breacker the most.
“The senior players, to their credit, lifted the tempo of the game to get the best work out they possibly could. They worked hard to keep the ball moving, and when the ball would run out of play they were quick to introduce another ball into the game.
“Sometimes these kind of games aren’t as intense as you’d like. But everyone was keen to get the game going. We should have been a few goals up, and then they scored against the run of play.
“The main thing for us was to get a full work out, and the lads got that today. To be fair most of the time we were attacking.
And Breacker made mention of Eric Sabin’s continued effort to develop the scope of his game, having worked hard again down the right wing, a position which he has now played at both senior and reserve level.
“It’s a position where Eric done ok in the first team and for us and he needs to be able to play in as many positions as possible. He’s got a turn of pace and a good shot on him, and he’s working hard.”