NEW loan signing Alex Bruce and fit-again Oscar Gobern got vital gametime as Town won 3-1 in their development match at Preston.
Gary Roberts, who played in central midfield, scored twice and Danny Ward got the other goal over in Lancashire.
Bruce, who is on loan from Leeds, featured for an hour in a side which also included Anton Robinson, Alan Lee and Lee Novak.
Gobern has missed nine matches after picking up an ankle injury during the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy derby against Bradford in October.
“Alex looked very composed on the ball and defended very well,” said Town development coach Steve Watson.
“Both teams put out strong sides, so getting some decent action under his belt will only help Oscar as he returns from injury.
“As a team we played some good football, and we were able to experiment and play players in different positions.”
Defender Greg Pearson, who has just extended his loan spell at non-league Blyth Spartans for a further month, was also in the Town line-up.
He will be on duty for the North-Easterners in their Blue Square North game at Bishop’s Stortford tomorrow.
Town: Colgan, Naysmith, Pearson, Bruce, Gudjonsson, McDermott, Robinson, Gobern, Ward, Lee, Novak. Subs: Cadamarteri, I Johnson, Roberts.
