City head coach Michael Skubala was pleased with the application from his players after they ran out 1-0 winners in a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly away to Leicester City U21s on Tuesday afternoon.
Skubala utilised two different XIs in either half as a James Collins goal in the second period secured a win against the Foxes, with City creating enough chances to win by more.
He said: “It was a good 45 minute workout for the two groups and we came away from it with no injuries, which is great news.
“We worked them hard in training and the effort levels were high again, so we’re pleased.
“It was a good chance for me to look at some trialists and some younger lads, as well as some of the partnerships across the pitch, so we changed the groups around.
“There were some really pleasing aspects of our performances, we created a lot of chances and probably should have scored more, and the clean sheet was pleasing too, because it’s a good habit to get into.”
City are continuing to step up their preparations for the 2025/26 campaign, with the squad head to Portugal this weekend for a week-long pre-season training camp.
Skubala is keen for his side to continue moving in the right direction with the start of the campaign less than a month away.
He added: “The lads were itching to get back and the pre-season programme is really starting to gather some momentum now.
“We’ll go out to Portugal on Saturday and we’ve got a good opposition booked for when we’re out there.
“Everything is good at the moment, but we need to keep moving in the right direction and get ready for that start line.”
First half: Wickens, Trialist, Jackson, Bradley, Trialist, Bayliss, Hamilton, Makama, Hackett, Okoro, Draper
Second half: Jeacock, Darikwa, Montsma, Parks, Trialist, McGrandles, Erhahon, Street, Moylan, Ring, Collins