WITH less than a week until the new season kicks off, the friendly at Forest Green Rovers was manager James Rowberry’s last chance to look at his players in a match situation before the trip to Sutton United.

Rowberry set up with a back three, with Will Evans operating in the unfamiliar role of left wing back, and Cameron Norman on the right.

Scot Bennett formed an interchanging midfield trio with new signings Sam Bowen and Aaron Wildig, and Omar Bogle and Offrandre Zanzala had a difficult job in leading the line in the counter-attacking system.

In goal, Joe Day started the match between the sticks - sharing a half each with Nick Townsend.

When asked if his team selection could be a clue as to who he will favour for that opening game, Rowberry said: “Different games over the course of the season will dictate different selections.

“Sutton will be one selection, Walsall might be a little bit different, Luton might be different.

“We’ve got really good competition, I’ve got a headache this week.

“Even for the squad selection, I’ve got a bit of thinking to do because I was really pleased with some of the lads’ application.

“We need to keep thinking about that next game mentality and what we need to do to get better.

“We need to keep improving every day – I need to keep improving, the staff do and the players do and that’s what we’re striving to do.”