CIRENCESTER TOWN warmed up for their final showpiece friendly of pre-season with a 2-1 win against Hellenic Premier side and former tenants Royal Wootton Bassett Town on Tuesday night, writes Danny Hall.

Town boss Brian Hughes left out Mark Pritchett (four games) and Ian Herring (three), both being suspended for the early matches of the new campaign and welcomed back Glyn Garner for the experienced keeper’s first warm-up game of the summer.

Apart from Ben Wells, who has a slight injury, the starting XI looked much like the one expected to travel to Redditch United on the opening day.

Town totally dominated the first half but a combination of brave defending, agile goalkeeping from Curtis Meare and a lack of ruthless finishing meant the game was goalless at half-time.

Town’s intensity dipped in the second period until Bassett, who were seeing more of the ball, scored via Jack Ellis in the 64th minute with their first shot of the game.

That stung Ciren back into life. Charlie Griffin levelled within four minutes and Josh Parsons struck the winner ten minutes from time.

“Our energy levels were the best I have seen from us in pre-season,” said a pleased Hughes.

“We passed it well and worked hard off the ball. They scored with their first shot and their keeper played well.”

Hughes’s third new signing of the summer, Ben Brown, lined up at centre back alongside captain Leigh Henry and looked untroubled throughout.

“Ben is a big strong lad from Carterton who was with Conference North Oxford City last season,” said Hughes.

“He was introduced to us by Jonah (James Mortimer-Jones) has not missed a session and signed his forms without even talking money, which I like.

“There will be no more youngsters and triallists used now."

Forest Green Rovers boss Ady Pennock, whose side beat West Brom’s U21s on Tuesday night insists he is bringing a first team squad to Cirencester on Saturday despite playing Plymouth at home the day before.

FGR of the Vanarama National League wanted to play earlier in the day but a compromise kick-off time of 2pm has been agreed. It is the last warm-up game for both sides before hostilities start in earnest on August 8.