Brabin call for cutting edge

Town dominated the early stages, creating several good chances and smacking a post through James Dance only to be caught with a sucker punch from Jonathan Biabiany.

Brabin, pictured, said: “I was made up. It was a good performance from the lads.

“The lads have showed what a good team we can be against top opposition. It was a good test and a good advert for football.

“We all thought it (Dance’s shot) was in. There was a couple of chances before and after and all of a sudden we’ve gone 1-0 down which was disappointing.

“At least we are creating chances which is the first hurdle and we need to start putting them away.”

And he believes they are gearing up well for the new season, saying: “I think we have a good group of players coming to the forefront. I want to have a good strong squad ready for the start of the season and I think we are going in that direction.”

Striker Matthew Barnes-Homer, who was missing from the 4-0 win at Cambridge City at the weekend, was again noticeable by his absence.

But Brabin played it down, saying: “I’m just playing the team I think is right at the time.

“Tonight I’ve gone with that line-up and we’ve got two games on Friday and Saturday.”

Robbie Willmott was worryingly forced off by injury in the first half, but Brabin explained: “He had a bit of a niggle in his groin which he aggravated. As a precaution we brought him off.”

He confirmed trialist striker Drewe Broughton had been released, while no decision has be made on target man Nathan Elder.

Brabin added: “I’ve spoken to Nathan and said I would like to see him a bit fitter. He is a little bit behind on his fitness.

“We have started to get a little bit more towards the deadline of the start of the season and got players on the pitch who need the minutes and not flog others.

“Everyone wants to play against the best teams and players and I thought it was a real glamour tie for everyone connected with the club. I didn’t want to be a spoilsport and keep them from enjoying it.”