GARY Bowyer felt City’s 1-1 draw with Wigan today was just what they needed a fortnight before the big kick-off.

James Vaughan’s first-half penalty was cancelled out by Anthony Pilkington’s equaliser two minutes after the break.

Bowyer was happy with what he saw at Valley Parade.

He said: “It was a fantastic work-out for us and one of those type of games you need pre-season.

“We’re delighted that Wigan came across because they are a good quality opposition that play the game the right way.

“I’m pleased with where we are. The next stage is now to get them close to 90 minutes in the next couple of games we’ve got and then look forward to the start of the season.”

Bowyer switched formation to 4-4-2 to play Vaughan and Clayton Donaldson together for the first time up front.

“The pair of them played in the Championship last year so it just shows you the calibre they’ve got,” added the City boss.

“You have that trust in them because they have been around the game a long time. They know how to play as strikers.

“I thought the pair were a handful and it’s something for us to look forward to.

“We played 4-5-1 last week against the European champions. This week we’ve worked quite a bit on 4-4-2 and wanted to have a look at that and see what it would be like with two strikers at the top of the pitch.

“In the very first one (at Guiseley) we played 4-3-3 so it’s a case of looking at all formations and working out which one best suits us.

“I’m absolutely delighted with how they’ve transferred the training into the game against a Championship team.”