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Ipswich Town manager Gary O’Neil expresses that his side produced a highly encouraging performance as they beat UEFA Conference League Finalists Rayo Vallecano 3-0 at Portman Road in their penultimate pre-season friendly. Left back Leif Davis scored twice, with the record signing Emersonn netting his first goal for the club as Ipswich impressed against the La Liga outfit. “I was pleased, a good win. They’re a tough side to play against,” O’Neil said. “The result maybe makes it look straightforward, but they’re a good team, always around mid‑table in La Liga.” O’Neil: Lots of Positives, but Nothing To Get Carried Away With He praised both the team’s attitude and organisation but stressed that the focus remains on building towards the Premier League opener at Portman Road against Sunderland in two weeks. “We did well. There are bits we need to tidy up, maybe a couple of chances given away that we shouldn’t have, but overall I was pleased with our attitude. The new signings and the lads who’ve been here a while are coming together.” O’Neil was also quick to highlight that Ipswich kept a second consecutive clean sheet at Portman Road “Another clean sheet as well, two on the trot. A positive afternoon, but nothing to get too carried away with — the real stuff starts in two weeks.” Davis Shines in Advanced Role Davis, who scored twice, has operated higher up the pitch than in previous friendlies. “Leif’s been playing a bit lower for us recently, but he was higher today,” O’Neil explained. “With his energy and speed, he’s always a threat when he can run into space. That’s where he’s at his best.” Emersonn Sharpening, Akpom Threatening O’Neil felt that Emersonn showed improvement, and with Akpom becoming more dangerous “Emersonn looked sharper today, still got a bit to go. That’s why we took him off early for Chuba. Chuba’s looking like he can score every game. Unlucky not to score today — hit the post.” Readiness Building Ahead of Sunderland He explained that Town are progressing well but not yet at full readiness. “I wouldn’t say we’re there, but it’s moving in the right direction. Every game we’ve shown signs of improvement physically and tactically.” Also added that the friendly away to Union Berlin next weekend will be approached with the same mindset. “I don’t know the XI for Sunderland yet. Today we picked a team to win, and next week will be the same — not the same team, but the same idea.” Ipswich now head into their final pre-season training camp in Germany ahead of the Premier League season.