ALSO in attendance for the match with Cliftonville were directors Nev Dickens and Geoff Moss, along with Chief Executive Anthony Fairclough and coach Roy Evans.

The quartet had arrived in Newcastle late afternoon and were staying overnight before returning to Wrexham later today, although Roy will be remaining with the squad until Saturday.

As they stood with umbrellas in hand on the sidelines, sheltering from the driving rain, Geoff Moss in particular was complimentary about the week.

"I was able to get across briefly last year and saw for myself how the team was being treated," he said.

"This time around we have once again been very lucky with the support we have received from the local community here in Newcastle.

"The hotel staff could not have been more co-operative and then the work put in by Seamus [Heath] and Andy [Hall] has been outstanding.

"I know that Brian is delighted with the facilities on offer and we also have to thank both Cliftonville and Saturday's opponents Dungannon for playing us.

"All in all, it's proving to be ideal preparation for the coming season."

The players will have a different sort of session this morning, as they go paintballing at a local range, before returning to more normal training later this afternoon.

"We wanted something light hearted for the lads after last night's match," said Brian Carey.

"This is certainly different and most of them are really up for it, and already working out their tactics!"