George Thomason felt some complacency snuck into the Bolton Wanderers squad in their pre-season loss to Carlisle United and believes they will have a tough week in store ahead of their final friendly before the start of the League One campaign.
The Cumbrians took the lead against the Whites who were masters of their own demise ultimately as Ryan Edmondson capitalised on a defensive mix-up at the back for Bolton to put the hosts in front. The League Two side doubled their advantage before half-time from a set piece after Ben Barclay headed home.
Wanderers halved the deficit after the break when Aaron Morley fired home from the penalty spot after former Carlisle midfielder Kyle Dempsey had been brought down in the box. But Carlisle restored their two goal advantage when another defensive lapse saw Kristian Dennis add their third which ensured a 3-1 victory for the hosts and Bolton's second loss for the first team in pre-season.
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Wanderers have one more first team pre-season friendly before the start of the League One season at the end of July away to Ipswich Town. The Whites host Championship side Huddersfield Town next Saturday at the University of Bolton Stadium.
The Wanderers midfilder admitted that though his side tasted defeat, it will be something they learn from moving forwards ahead of the new campaign. He believes next weekend's clash against Huddersfield will offer a hint as to who might start the season opener against the Tractor Boys.
Thomason said: “There have been a lot of positives so far in pre-season but I think there some complacency snuck into the squad, and that isn’t really like us.
“I think we started well enough and created some chances, used the ball well, but after that I think we learned a harsh lesson to be honest with you because although it feels sore right now, the result and the performance should be able to teach us a few things in the next couple of weeks.
“I am thankful it has happened now in pre-season because come the start of the season we can’t be playing like that. We know it will be a tough week because the performance wasn’t good enough and we will sit down to assess what has to be better. There will be a lot, I am sure.
“The manager will pick the best team against Huddersfield, which will be a test, and perhaps that will be an indication of how things will be on the opening weekend. I think the lads have put in some good yards this pre-season and even though the Carlisle result is a bit of a negative I think we have to take it in our stride and prepare for what is ahead now.”
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