Market Drayton Town boss Simon Line found reason to be positive – despite seeing his side thrashed 5-0 at home to AFC Telford United.

The north Shropshire side were comprehensively beaten in Saturday’s friendly at Greenfields, always looking on the back foot after falling behind to a sixth-minute own goal by Daniel Griffiths.

Line had been without six potential first team regulars for the clash and was full of praise for the work-rate of his side, who are building up for a first ever season in the UniBond League division one south.

“The scoreline was a thumping one, but the main thing is that they’ve all come back in absolutely knackered,” said Line, who guided his team to the Midland Alliance title last season.

“Objective No 1 has been achieved – they came off and couldn’t move any more so, in terms of fitness, it was a cracking workout and I’m really pleased.

“They kept going right to the very end and I was pleased with that. There’s lots to work on – the balls haven’t been out all that often in training yet, and that probably showed with a few sloppy goals that we conceded.”

One of the big talking points in the game came late in the second half, when Telford midfielder Liam Blakeman was forced off with a deep gash to his leg following a late challenge by Drayton’s Stuart Timmis.

That drew criticism from Bucks boss Rob Smith, who had otherwise been pleased by his afternoon’s work.

“I’m not bothered about the score but I’m pleased with the application of the lads,” he said.

“We took it seriously and got the rewards at the end of it. It was a good 90 minutes and the only disappointing thing is that we’ve got an injury again.

“Liam’s got a massive gash on his shin. It was a ridiculous challenge in a pre-season friendly and it soured the day a little bit.”

• Drayton continue their pre-season preparations with another home friendly, against Nantwich Town, tomorrow evening.

By CHRIS HUDSON