Gareth Ainsworth says there were plenty of positives to take from Wycombe Wanderers’ to take from their pre-season match with Aldershot despite the 2-1 loss.

The Chairboys were hit by an early blitz which saw Scott Rendell and Matt McClure give the Shots a 2-0 lead after nine minutes at the EBB Stadium.

A late goal from new signing Will De Havilland proved to be a mere consolation, but Ainsworth remained upbeat after the full-time whistle.

“It is always difficult in pre-season,” Ainsworth explained. “We changed a lot of bodies around and I have seen plenty which is good.

“We changed formation a couple of times and it is all about learning and fitness in pre-season. Come Crawley the boys will be fit.

“We got what we wanted out of the game, I am disappointed with one of the goals especially, but in the second half the introduction of some of the boys sparked us into a bit of life.”

With the start of the League Two campaign fast approaching, Ainsworth is busy finalising his final squad for the new campaign.

This of course includes deciding on a first XI and Ainsworth says Tuesday night’s match allowed him the opportunity to get a good gauge on a number of his players.

“First half we hit the bar and we couldn’t get the final ball right. Aldershot started with a good, high tempo and fair play they have a good side,” Ainsworth said.

“Chopping and changing around is always hard work and it is [helping] me work out my best XI for Crawley.

“I am getting closer to that now and that is what these games do and I am pleased we got through the game relatively injury free.”