United boss Martin Ling believes his side have taken another step in the right direction as they prepare for the new season.
Speaking after Tuesday's 1-0 defeat to a well-drilled Colchester United outfit, Ling said his teams performance had given him food for thought.
The U's enjoyed plenty of possession against the League One side, particularly in the second half. But the closest they came to scoring was when substitute Adam Marriott saw his penalty saved by visiting keeper Ben Williams.
Ling said: "We should've come away with the draw. Young Marriott earned the penalty and you'd expect him to score. But it's different playing here to playing at Mildenhall, where he scored one the other day,so we've lost the game but it's another step in the right direction.
"In the first half I thought their ball retention was very good, but second half we got in and around them, especially when we switched to 4-3-3.
"It's always disappointing to lose but that gets overshadowed by what happens in terms of injuries and fitness levels, it's not all about results at this stage."
Ian Henderson scored the only goal of the match in the first half, and Ling felt his charges gave the ball away too easily in the move which led to the striker nodding in Mark Tierney's cross.
"Josh Coulson did well just before the goal but then gave the ball away, and that's what quality teams can do to you," said Ling.
"Turnovers are very important in football - when you lose the ball it's how quickly you get it back and vice versa. There were plenty of positives out there tonight, and a few negatives too."
With one right-back, Rory McAuley, already sidelined with injury, United suffered another scare when Kevin Roberts departed at half time.
"Kev has a tight hamstring," said Ling. "We're not taking any risks, so we'll judge it as we go on. He needed to come off tonight but hopefully it's nothing too major.
"Having said that Jonathan Thorpe came on and did and excellent job.
"He's only a baby, and he's another one off the CRC production line we talk. I've watched him play a few times and I'm confident in him, and he did a decent job tonight, and soon settled into the team."
Ling will hold further discussions with the U's directors this week as he looks to agree deals with trialist striker Wayne Gray and first team coach John Schofield.
The manager said: "Wayne Gray needs a decision by the end of the week, so I'll speak to board and to Wayne and see where we can go.
"He had 90 minutes today and did ok. We're one short up top and he's done nothing wrong during his time here, so we'll see if we can go in the right direction, but there are still a few things to sort out.
"It's the same with John Schofield on the bench. There are a few i's to dot and t's to cross, but there will be a decision for him by the end of this week too."
Ling confirmed that defender Dave Partridge missed the game due to illness, while injured striker Daryl Clare is expected to be back in action in time for Saturday's match against Leyton Orient.
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