THIS lunchtime the Reds stepped up their pre-season preparations with a practice game against local neighbours Shrewsbury Town at Colliers Park.

The outing was played over three 30 minute periods, which allowed manager Brian Little the opportunity to give a run out to all the fit members of his squad.

In effect, this meant the Dragons fielding three different line-ups over the course of the match.

Played in driving rain, which at times made it difficult for the players of both sides to keep their footing, the only goal of the afternoon went to Shrewsbury Town on 21 minutes, when a throw in from the left was knocked on into a crowded six-yard box for a visiting player to tap home from close range.

The Reds pushed forward in search of a leveller, but it was a day of few chances in poor weather conditions.

We almost grabbed an equaliser when Wes Baynes finished a long run with a rocked of a shoot that crashed against the Shrewsbury crossbar on 71 minutes.

Defender Mike Williams enjoyed the run out, but not the continuous rain.

"It was more like a winter's day rather than pre-season," he said.

"But it was great to get out there and play some football."

While we might not have gained revenge for our awful display at Shrewsbury less than three months ago, it was useful exercise for all concerned.

Not involved today were Shaun Whalley (muscle strain), Levi Mackin (muscle strain) and Conall Murtagh (virus).

1st Period Gavin Ward Simon Spender Neil Taylor Gareth Evans Steve Evans Tom Kearney Sam Aiston Andy Fleming Jefferson Louis Marc Williams Wes Baynes

2nd Period Anthony Williams Kyle Critchell Carl Tremarco Brett Sancho David Ogilby Silvio Spann Sam Aiston Andy Fleming Simon Brown Michael Proctor Drew Fahey

3rd Period Chris Maxwell Shaun Pejic Chris Marriott Mike Williams Nat Brown Kyle Critchell Neil Taylor Silvio Spann Marc Williams Drew Fahey Wes Baynes

Nat Brown in action

"Calm down - calm down"