Tough tests like Notts County’s pre-season friendly with Derby County are a valuable part of the preparations for the new campaign, says manager Shaun Derry.
Notts spent much of Saturday fixture against one of the Championship’s promotion favourites out of possession.
However, it was just the kind of workout that the Magpies needed to prepare them for times where their backs may be up against the wall.
On the whole, Derry was able to take plenty of positives out of the fixture but wants his side to be more courageous with the ball at their feet.
“Derby were denied a place in the Premier League at Wembley with the last kick of the game not too long ago and, in my opinion, thoroughly enjoyed their chance to get into the Premier League,” he told Magpie Player.
“It was a tough test for us and we knew that we’d spend a long time out of possession.
“For us, working towards the season’s start against Preston, you can’t just work on what you do with the ball, you have to work on what you do without it.
“That’s why we invited Derby down for pre-season because we knew that it would be a test away from actually having the ball.”
He continued: “It’s progress and if you’re looking at the pre-season friendlies that we’ve had, you’re seeing an incline in opposition.
“Against Birmingham City is going to be very similar, against another team where we’re going to spend a lot of time out of possession.
“I’d like us to be a bit braver when we’ve got the ball and a little bit more adventurous at certain times, but there’s a lot to work on between now and the beginning of the season still.“
Next up for the Magpies is a trip to Carlton Town on Tuesday night (7.45pm kick-off). For full ticket details, click here.