NIGEL Clough says that it was another good work out for the Brewers in the Bass Charity Vase against Derby County.
The visitors took the trophy with a 5-2 victory as Albion played their third pre-season game at the Pirelli Stadium.
Clough said: “The only disappointment was the manner in which we conceded the goals; the three in the first half were unchallenged and that was the biggest disappointment today.
“Going forward we created enough again, scored two, could have had three or four but it’s that defensive mentality that we need to improve upon. The goals were too easy, but you also have to say how good Derby were - their passing and movement. They have a multi-million pound squad, some very good players and were within a whisker of reaching the Premier League.”
The Brewers manager also believes his squad were feeling the strain of pre-season.
He said: “This is the toughest weekend – the one with two weeks to go. You have had two weeks work and a couple of run outs and you get through on adrenaline and then it hits you. And they felt it physically today, even Lucas who is our fittest payer. They have played a few more minutes than they would normally do at this stage, so they are going to feel it a little bit and we accept that.
“John-Joe O’Toole was starting his first game today, and Stephen Quinn, David Templeton and Stephen Bywater so they were going to find it tough.
“We were pleased with John-Joe today especially when he moved back to centre half. We are half-minded to play him back there and he looks comfortable and is a presence. He reads it, steps in, wins tackles and headers so it’s something we might look at.
“Overall it was still a very good, very useful workout today.”