Edinburgh satisfied with opener

Gavin Hoyte was one of five trialists on show at Cecil Street

Rushden manager Justin Edinburgh says the 3-1 defeat of Rothwell Town was a useful exercise for his team.

The Diamonds put out different sides in the first and second halves. Their summer signings, and five trialists, featured in the match.

Edinburgh told BBC Radio Northampton: "It was a good 45 minutes to blow away the cobwebs.

"First half was slightly better. I thought in the second half we passed without purpose."

Simon Downer was rested and Jamie McGuinness out with illness for the first pre-season game of the new campaign.

Diamonds took control in the first half with goals from Neil Cousins, Lee Tomlin and Max Porter. The Southern League Division One Midlands side pulled back a second-half goal through Simon Underwood.

After Saturday, I'll have whittled down who is and who isn't going to stay

Manager Justin Edinburgh

Craig Farrell, Aaron O'Connor, Matt Pattison, Max Porter, loan signing James Reid and captain Jamie Stuart made their first appearances for the Diamonds.

Edinburgh said: "James Reid looked very positive. He didn't isolate himself out on the left side, he drifted in and got in good positions.

"He's probably a week behind our players in terms of fitness, and I thought that showed. But he's certainly a talent."

Five trialists - David Bryant, Rob Elvins, Gavin Hoyte, Nicky Nicolau and Tom Sharpe - also made the trip to Cecil Street, hoping to secure contracts with the Blue Square Premier side.

"Rob Elvins looked neat and tidy, he secured the ball very well. I think Gavin Hoyte would look very solid at centre half," he said.

Rushden and Diamonds play St Johnstone in a behind closed doors friendly in Warwickshire on Saturday.

"After Saturday, I'll have whittled down who is and who isn't going to stay," said Edinburgh.