Lee Barnard revealed he is delighted to be forming an exciting forward line with David Connolly.
The former Southend striker found the back of the net against Reading with a supremely taken goal after some clever close control, and was happy to make the most of his teammates' good work.
"The boys played well and created quite a few chances so it was nice to put one away for them," he told Saints Player.
"It was a good work out for us. They're a good side so it was a test for us. It was a good game and nice to get on the scoresheet too.
"The game was exactly what we needed. They didn't disappoint as they made it difficult for us, so there was a good tempo which sets us up for next week."
 Lee strikes against Reading |
Who lines up in attack against Plymouth in the League One opener remains to be seen, but Barnard believes that he and Connolly have given their chances of playing a large part, no harm at all.
"Conners is very, very clever and intelligent so he's easy to work with, he always makes options for you and I can only learn off him.
"We're working well together, we haven't really played that much together before that so now that we're getting games as a partnership it's starting to work well.
"With Lambo and Conners at the club we've got some good strikers here which can only benefit us.
"It's going to be a good game," he added. "It's on the TV we're at home and the fans are going to be buzzing, so it's going to be nice to play in front of the home fans and getting used to that pitch again.
"We're looking to play well and it's going to be a tough game. They've come down from the Championship and will be looking to bounce back with a new manager so it has got all the ingredients of a good game."
Barnard admits that he will also be glad to see the back of pre season, although he is more than happy with the way that his own personal development has gone.
"Pre season is all about getting fit for the first game of the season, and I'm fit and strong so I just can't wait for next week now.
"Last season I had a good pre season too and it showed during the season and I've taken that on into this pre season as well - I've stayed fit, had a couple of little injuries and a day off here and there, but on the whole, I've been good and I'm feeling strong so hopefully it's another good season ahead.
"It's a big season for everyone, especially myself, I want to play well. I put that pressure on myself to play well and score, but I'm feeling ready, so hopefully I can score goals.
"We know that it is not going to be a walk this year, it's going to be very tough. It's a good league so all we can do is concentrate game by game and focus on the next game ahead. We know what we've got to do, so as long as we play well this season then we will do well."
