WARRINGTON Town manager Mark Beesley was pleased to see that preparations in the week paid off as their first win of the season was achieved against Peterborough Sports on Saturday.

Connor Woods’ second-half goal sealed a result that the Town boss felt was much deserved on a day when he fielded four home debutants.

“I thought we were much better today,” said Beesley, whose side were defeated 3-1 at King’s Lynne in the first game of the new National League North campaign last week.

“We were much better out of possession, which we’ve done a lot of work on this week.

“When to press and when not to press, making sure our shape was right and I thought that was good.

“We probably limited them to a couple of flashes across the goal – I think one hit the top of the bar but I can’t really remember seeing Dan make many saves so that was pleasing.

“I think the other end of the field takes a bit of time but we had some chances as the game wore on.

“Their keeper made a great save from Bohan Dixon – a yard either side and it would have been a goal.

“I think we deserved to win and when we did score we were full value from then on.”

Woods’ goal was an off-the-cuff bit of opportunism which Beesley says he is happy to promote within the ranks.

“Connor is a good player, he’s bright and he’s got good technique so they have the freedom in the final third that if they see something and they want to do it they can do it.

“We have plans, but that freedom is what got them the goal.”

With the absence of Andy White, versatile former Forest Green Rovers defender Murphy Bennett was handed his first start at left-back and Beesley was pleased with what the 19-year-old showed.

“He was brilliant,” said Beesley, who added he was pleased with the effort and work of all four debutants in the starting XI.

“He’s been a find for us. He’s still young, still learning and he’s done great since he’s come in and long may that continue.

“I thought today he showed his quality. It’s difficult playing on your wrong side but I thought he coped with it really well.”

There was one sour note, and that was an injury to Jay Harris.

Beesley said: “That’s a concern because he doesn’t usually come off the pitch.

“It’s something to do with his groin and we’ll have to see how it is but it’s a concern when he comes off the pitch.”