CALLUM Reilly thought it was important to get a full game against Matlock under his belt as he gets fully fit for the new season.
Speaking after the 2-1 win, the Brewers midfielder said: "It was good for me as I have only really had 45 minutes so far as I have missed out on a couple of games after picking up an injury in training - just a dead leg that wouldn't settle down. It's not worth risking it in pre-season games."It was good to get out on the pitch and get the fitness into my legs and my lungs. I think I would have been a little bit behind if I hadn't got 90 minutes but I think this puts me on par now with the rest of the lads fitness wise."
Reilly, unlike many of last year's squad, has Championship experience (with Birmingham), so how important is that looking ahead to August 6?
"It can take you some of the way," he says. "The main thing is that we carry on the same ethos as last season and keep the momentum going. The manager has added more Championship experience to the squad as well with the new lads."
The Brewers are back now from a break in Devon, which Reilly says went well.
"We had a good few days, where we got to know the new lads. It was a little mental break as well, getting you out of the routine of going to the training ground and changing room. It's a welcome change of environment and the lads got to bond a bit over a game of golf and a quiz night so we enjoyed it."