STEVE Watson took plenty of positives and said he learnt a lot from Darlington's first defeat of pre-season.
Quakers put in a spirited and encouraging showing as they went down 1-0 to League Two side Doncaster Rovers at Blackwell Meadows on Saturday.
A Ben Hedley own-goal five minutes into the second half separated the sides but Watson took heart from the display as Darlington continue their preparations for the coming National League North campaign.
"It was a good test for the lads physically and against a team really comfortable with the ball," said Darlington's boss.
"It was a good test for what we've been working on without the ball. It was a really good workout and good to get 90 minutes into people."
The defeat followed victories over Bishop Auckland and Hebburn, but Watson said: "Myself and Terry (Mitchell, assistant boss) learnt a lot more than we did in the previous games. That's why you do this in pre-season and mix up games.
"We spent a lot of time without the ball whereas we dominated the ball in the other games."
One positive for Watson was an encouraging first home outing for summer signing Jack Maskell, who got 90 minutes under his belt.
"He's really game and physical and attacks the ball really well in the box," said Watson, while stressing the need for his side to sharpen up in the front third.
"In all three games we've created chances. We scored five in the first game but could have scored even more.
"We need to do better when we get in those positions and crispen up our final pass and final decision, but we're getting there."
Darlington continue their summer campaign with a home game against National League side York City, Watson's former club, on Tuesday night (7.30pm).
"It's a different type of game," said Watson.
"I don't think York will play the same way as Doncaster and might play a different system so it's a different test and it's all preparing us for the first game of the season. We're looking forward to it."
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