Paul Hurst unhappy with Shrewsbury Town's pre-season showing against Brackley Town

Two first-half goals meant the National League North outfit took the win against a sluggish Town, with Alex Rodman's fine late strike a rare positive.

Hurst, who fielded 21 players in an experimental line-up, felt there were very few signs of optimism from the wet evening at St James Park.

"The result doesn't worry me but at the same time I'm not pleased with the way we played for large parts," said the Town boss.

"I won't try and dress it up, without doubt Brackley were the better team.

"It was a fantastic surface, helped by the rain where the ball zipped around, there were no excuses.

"Yes we trained today but I'm guessing lots of their lads have been to work. I'm not sure which is better preparation!

"There wasn't too many positives. The team bore the brunt of that at half-time."

On-loan Manchester United shot-stopper Dean Henderson impressed in a busy first-half, keeping the scoreline down to two.

Substitute Dan James, signed on-loan from Swansea, was the most eye-catching player in blue and amber.

Newcomer Carlton Morris did not feature having only signed hours prior, while there was no sign of Callum Burton, Dom Smith, Jim O'Brien, Ryan McGivern and AJ Leitch-Smith – players whose futures remain in doubt.

And Hurst was less than impressed, adding: "It's the first time since we've been back that I'm not pleased with them or felt they'd put the work in.

"Some of them looked extremely tired. For me it comes down to a little bit of desire and it was lacking in my opinion.

"People say 'it's pre-season' but we're trying to set standards. That's a big part in what we're trying to do with a new group.

"Some lads will know how we work and some will have to realise very quickly how we do or they won't be in the starting line-up."