BRETT Munyard was pleased to give his White Ensign players valuable minutes despite suffering a 4-1 defeat to Great Wakering Rovers.

White Ensign travelled to Burroughs Park for a friendly ahead of this weekend’s Eastern Senior League Division One South trip to table-topping Hashtag United.

And although his side were beaten by Garry Kimble’s Wakering, Munyard was delighted to see his side come through the encounter unscathed.

The White Ensign player-manager said: “The friendly was ideal in terms of what we needed in preparation for Saturday.

“We played a different side in each half and there was a gulf in sharpness and fitness levels between the two teams, but that was fully expected.

“It was vitally important for those who are lacking that match fitness and sharpness to get 45 minutes under their belts.

“Overall, the most important thing was that we came through the match with no injuries of note and the lads got a very good run out.

“The game was far more beneficial than a training session and it’s time for us to focus fully on this weekend, where we will be trying to go top of the table.”

Munyard scored what proved to be White Ensign’s only goal at Isthmian North Wakering.

The match was played in snowy conditions and also gave Wakering boss Kimble the opportunity to run the rule over some recent signings and those who have recently come back from injury.

However, Munyard admitted he was left frustrated after White Ensign conceded some sloppy goals.

“In all honesty, I’m a bit disappointed with the scoreline,” conceded Munyard, whose side are second in the Eastern Senior League Division One South and just two points adrift of leaders Hashtag.

“We created numerous opportunities for ourselves in the second half but didn’t capitalise on them.

“We conceded a few poor goals from our point of view and that was disappointing.”