'It wasn’t a great performance, very sloppy at times' - reaction to Chesterfield's pre-season friendly defeat at Halifax Town

Two late goals from new signings Ruel Sitiriou and Josh Koroma that looked like rescuing a 2-2 draw were rare highlights as the National League hosts hit back to claim a merited 3-2 victory.

“One thing about all the lads, whether they be trialists, youngsters, experienced pros or new signings, they come into the dressing room with shirts wet through,” said Webb,

"It wasn’t a great performance, very sloppy at times, although it was great to see two bits of quality from our new attacking signings.

"The gaffer (Paul Cook) related afterwards that although it was a friendly and the teams get mixed up and changed, we needed to be better and eradicate the things we did a lot last season where we conceded late goals.

"As a group, you get a last minute equaliser when you haven’t played well and then the other team go up the other end and score. It can’t happen.

"Albeit it’s a friendly and only the third game in and you have to cut the players a bit of slack, to a man there were a lot of under-hit and wayward passes and mistakes.

“Fair play to Halifax. They gave us a real good game and they’re a decent National League team.

"The gaffer is disappointed with aspects but pleased with the two bits of quality that could have got us something from the game.”

Chesterfield fielded four trialists in the first half and three players from their Academy system and made many changes around the hour mark to share the minutes around and learn more about individuals.

"Did we learn things? I think so,” added Webb.

"The question is, if you’re given a chance, can you grab it?

"It’s tough when you are playing these National League teams. It’s a great learning curve for the youngsters and the senior pros.

"You are more looking for a performance and a step in the direction after the positives of the Sheffield United game on Saturday but it was just a night of plodding and huffing a puffing. It is great in a way because you do tick the box of fitness, which is what it’s all about, but you’d be lying if you said you weren’t looking for a more polished performance.”

Chesterfield have a practice game later this week before heading to Ireland for a training camp and a friendly against Bohemians.

Their next domestic warm-up is away to Scunthorpe United on Friday, July 31.