18th July 2019

The Glovers had won their previous two friendlies coming into the clash with the Swans but were dealt a heavy defeat by a full-strength Steve Cooper side.

Tom Bradbury was the sole goal scorer for the hosts, who next face Dorchester Town on Saturday.

Speaking after the midweek defeat, Town’s keeper saw the defeat as a necessary outcome in preparation for the National League campaign. 

“We all want to win football matches but we know when the season starts we’re going to come up against tough tests so were never expecting to go through pre-season without losing.

“We want challenges and we want problems to solve before we start. The boys need to know it isn’t going to be easy and Swansea wasn’t an easy night and one we need to learn from. 

“I’m actually pleased it’s happened because the sort of players weve got won’t be disheartened, they’ll use it as a learning curve and they’ll look at it and try and put things right as a team.

“We’ve got a really solid team unit already and with the manager and staff helping and guilding us, the boys will take it on board and hopefully, going forward that will stand us in good sted.”

Called into action on numerous occasions throughout the night, Nelson was one of the standout performers despite the final score.

Enjoying his 22nd pre-season, the former Gillingham stopper is pleased with preparations both individually and as a team.

“I’m a goalkeeper and I enjoy making saves,” he said. “If I make saves I’m doing my job but obviously I’m disappointed to let in the number of goals I let in but on reflection, there were a good few coming my way that I did save.

“Personally, I’m happy with the saves I made but ultimately it’s a team game and we all need to learn and stop these shots in the first place. We don’t want to be conceding shots and attacks, we want to be taking teams the other way.

“I’ve made of pre-season so far that there’s a good group early on. The new lads have fitted in well with the remaining boys and there’s no sulking. Last season is gone and no one can talk about it anymore – it’s gone. We’ve got to look forward and look to bounce back into the EFL and that’s the aim.”