Saddlers manager Darrell Clarke was pleased with the overall performance in Saturday’s game against Alfreton Town despite defeat.
A first goal for the club from Elijah Adebayo was later cancelled out by Josh Clackstone and Morgan Brough.
But Clarke was more focused on getting minutes in the tank for the players and was pleased with the early signs of progression from his squad.
“I was really pleased with the first 45,” said Clarke. “I knew it was going to be a very difficult second-half. We had three young lads at centre-half and Joe Willis is a right-back.
“I thought they all did well. I was pleased with the first-half, we should have had a couple more goals but it’s a workout really for me.
“Pre-season games are about getting minutes into the boys and as each game goes on the fitness levels and the sharpness levels improve.
“We were very organised in the first-half, second-half you are never going to be as organised.
“We had three trialists playing and three young lads at the back.
“I didn’t want to be making changes all the way though the half, I wanted players to get 45 minutes but there were some pleasing signings for me.”