Ian McParland felt there was plenty to be pleased about in last night's pre-season defeat to Derby County at Meadow Lane.

The Rams were the victors 3-2, but the scoreine did little to dampen McParland's mood and he was upbeat about his team's showing afterwards

"There was plenty to be positive about, it was a great performance from my boys," said McParland.

"Derby County are a good team with a few million pound players in their side and at times we were chasing them about, but what pleased me was at times the boot was on the other foot and it was them doing the chasing.

"We created as many clear-cut chances as they did, if not more.

"Pre-season games mean very little, but I was pleased with what I saw out there."

The one disappointment for McParland however was the fashion County gave away their goals last night.

"The goals we gave away were poor," he admitted.

"The first was a blind pass from Neal Bishop that let their lad in, the second was a complete freak and the third was a mis-hit cross which flew in the top corner.

"We gave away a silly goal on Saturday as well so we have to cut those out."

Going back to the positives, Lee Hughes and Luke Rodgers look to have already formed a strong partnership in attack.

Hughes claimed two assists while Rodgers bagged his seventh pre-season goal in just five appearances.

"They're a lively pair and it was nice to see them link up like they did," said McParland.

"Hughesy got two assists which was nice to see and again Luke Rodgers was on the scoresheet."

County play the final game of their pre-season campaign on Friday against a Liverpool XI at Meadow Lane.