ON a day where the Wrexham boss watched his full squad take part in two matches some 45 miles apart, Brian Little had mixed emotions after watching one win and one defeat.

"There are some things that are pleasing, but there are things we need to brush up on," he said.

"Our passing in the second half was not as good as we would have liked it to have been.

"It was a very competitive first half, but at the break we said we wanted to go on and win the second half as well.

"It was probably one of those days, when at 2-0 we thought we had won it and were strong enough at the back to hold on. But they had two chances in the second half, better than us.

"We are disappointed with that and we would have liked to have kicked on in the second half to score a couple more goals.

"Yes, the conditions were hot and mentally when you think you have won a game, then you switch off a bit.

"I was reasonably pleased with some things and we have had a lot of food for thought today.

"We have had two separate games today against teams of similar backgrounds. One which has tested us and the other was a physical encounter - so it's been a good and worthwhile exercise.

"Some people have come through it very well; others have been a little below the level that we wanted. So in that respect it has been a good day's work for us.

"We are still preparing for the season, we are not looking for perfection just yet, rather fitness levels and trying to win a few games.

"We have won one and lost one, but to be fair to the team that played this morning, TNS were a very good side against some our players who might possibly find themselves on the fringe of things."

With virtually the whole senior squad getting through 90 minutes, was the boss pleased with developments.

"We have mapped out a way to play and to do things. If it sets the season off right, then it's been worth it," he said.

"Today was 90 minutes for everybody, in two different settings and two different types of situations.

"In fairness to the team this afternoon, they have handled it better than the team this morning. Although for 60 minutes, the morning team were great, then they switched off, pressing that self destruct button.

"Which is something we have seen in the past and this afternoon's team almost did that in the second half. They had a couple of little chances, but I thought we were always well in control with this one and always had something in reserve.

"As I have said, the exercise has been very worthwhile."

A couple of goals were also welcomed after two blanks, albeit against higher Football League clubs.

"Carl has been starting to fancy himself at free kicks," he said.

"For the other, it was good to see the forwards scoring. It was debatable who going to get the strike, but little Shaun has nipped in and got a good goal.

"He certainly looked lively today, despite being fouled on several occasions when he got through.

"Big Jeff is a handful , we need to brush up on a few things with him, but he offers us something we didn't have last season.

"I looked at Kyle [Critchell] in the second half and he just looks a decent player. It's a shame he's suspended for the first few games.

"Little things are starting to please me and the right combination at the back would be useful. Darran [Kempson] looked strong today and he's played the whole game with a nasty dead leg, so he's done well.

"We have a couple of combinations at the back which we are pleased with, so overall reasonably pleased.

"Next weekend will probably be more like the team we would probably want to play in the league the week after.

"So up to now, I wouldn't say everything has gone to plan, but everything has gone in such a way we are aware of and have had no major surprises."