Manager Paul Simpson hailed his Shrewsbury Town squad’s early pre-season fitness levels as they encountered their first ‘match action’ today.Town were at Wrexham for a behind closed doors match staged over three, 30 minute periods, giving Simpson the first opportunity to assess his players in a game, before a 20-man squad head to Spain for a training camp on Sunday.

Simpson is set to reveal who will be on the flight – he has 25 to select from – to his players tomorrow.

And he has admitted he has been pleased with what he has seen during the opening week of pre-season.

“I’ve been delighted with the lads – they have all come back in good shape and training has been good,” he said. “There has been some physical work but they have enjoyed it and shown a good attitude.

“The trip to Spain will be a big benefit and it will be very physical on the lads.

“We have to keep them fit but we also have to strike the balance to make sure they peak for the first game.”

Goalkeeper Scott Bevan has returned to full training after doing individual work for the first three days as he recovered from a summer knee operation.

Meanwhile, striker James Constable made the perfect start to his season-long loan at Oxford United.

The 23-year-old scored the winner in his team’s 1-0 friendly win over Oxford City last night.

By James Garrison