LEE Spalding took plenty of positives from Swindon Supermarine's performance as they suffered a one-goal defeat at the hands of EFL opposition on Saturday.

Marine were beaten 2-1 by Forest Green Rovers at the Webbswood Stadium in their second pre-season contest against a Football League side.

Spalding's side were also beaten 3-0 at home by Swindon Town eight days prior.

First-half goals from Shawn McCoulsky and Taylor Allen secured Forest Green their victory as the home side replied through trialist Kane Simpson late on.

Marine manager Spalding felt Rovers were the best opponents his side have faced so far during their summer schedule and took plenty of heart as his side continue to build up towards the new Southern League Premier Division South season.

"It was a really good game and I am pleased with what we got out of it," said Spalding.

"Forest Green are the best side we have played in pre-season. They were excellent.

"They are a a very well-drilled side. Mark Cooper is a good manager and a top coach and I know his assistant, Scott Lindsay, well too.

"The way they passed the ball was first class and it was good for us to play opposition of that high a standard.

"It was good for our fitness levels and I thought we did well defensively and kept our shape well.

"To come out at the end of the game having only lost 2-1, we were delighted with that.

"We know it is not about results at this stage of the season, it is about fitness and working on our shape and how we want to play.

"But it was obviously that we were not going to have the ball for long periods of time, so it was good to see how disciplined we were and that we kept our shape well.

"If we hadn't have done that, we could have got beaten by a lot more."

Post-match, Spalding took up the option to strengthen his squad by signing up goalscorer Simpson for the coming campaign following an impressive trial period.