Shrewsbury manager Graham Turner says he will test his players in their first game in the South West Challenge Cup against Ilfracombe on Monday.

"It's good match practice and we can try out some team play and test set pieces," he told BBC Radio Shropshire.

The tournament also involves Blackpool, Accrington, Doncaster, Leyton Orient and Kilmarnock, and a number of non-league clubs.

Ilfracombe chairman Allan Day said: "To play Shrewsbury is a big night for us."

Alongside Ilfracombe, who finished third in the Western League Premier Division last season, the other non-league sides are Rushden, Havant, Eastleigh, Bideford, Barnstaple and Truro.

It gives the players the chance to bond together Shrewsbury manager Graham Turner

The week will begin with qualifying games, followed by two semi-finals and a final.

Shrewsbury's Dean Holden and Tom Bradshaw have made the trip south despite carrying thigh strains.

"It may not be Spain (where Shrewsbury went for pre-season training last year), but it gives the players the chance to bond together, to get to know each other - especially the new faces," Turner added.

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