NO ONE likes to lose games, but everyone has to remember that this team has hardly played together before and there is lots to work on.

On the positive side, I thought Jools (Alsop) was involved in lot of good stuff, although their three at the back handled him rather well, while young Dan Thompson showed promise at right back.

He’s got pace, he likes to get forward and he can tackle.

Nathan was his usual self and he will play a big part in all our pre-season games, because he does not train with us much.

He has returned with zest and a point to prove.

I thought Ben Pugh grew in stature through the game at left back and he is someone that interests me.

Considering that he had only come back from holiday on Monday night and had never met the team, he did well. I’ve seen him play at Shortwood a few times and he took a lot of their set pieces.

He has nice left foot and some size and stature and he can play left midfield if necessary.

Kes (Metitiri) was good and Gary Thorne did very well in the second half. He is a leader and very vocal.

Tom King made some decent saves and Rob Dean had a good run out in the second half.

Perhaps the most pleasing thing was to see Robbo get 20 minutes under his belt – and create a couple of chances.

He seems a more confident player this year.

While, when he is sharper, I would expect Matt Williams to put away the chances he had.

Next up is Bristol City on Saturday, who I imagine will bring a predominately U19 side, much the same squad that beat us in the Glos Senior Cup last season.

That will be tough as they have been in full time training and they move the ball around well.

Perhaps the key test will be Wootton Bassett on Wednesday and I will have to make some decisions after that.

I’m happy with the spine of the team but I want a left back, a wide young player who is probably not in the building at the moment and I’m hoping to tie up the central midfielder who has trained with us but has been away on holiday.