Two second-half goals made the difference at Queen Elizabeth II Stadium and after the match, Porter assessed our performance as well as looking ahead to our next match against Chelmsford City.

On the overall performance...

"Mixed. We fought against a direct, physical team. We competed well and dealt with a lot of their direct play — I was really happy with that. It was a challenge that we said to the players that they needed to improve for their careers.

"And then just disappointed, because if you look at the two goals, one direct ball, we don't come out together as a backline, we didn't block the runs, and it's a great finish from their player, but he shouldn't be in that position because of what we should have done.

"So that for us is what we've got to highlight, work on and help particularly those defenders learn that, because it's key. That's in any game of football, let alone if you play for our first team or the Champions League, the Championship or League Two.

"It's in every game of football, so that's an industry demand. And then obviously a long throw, which the players are marked in that box. I think these are really good lessons for our players because these are the real harsh realities of when you start playing senior football, where they all want to get to.

"These are the things that will define winning games, which are ultimately why you get into senior football; it's really important."

On preparations for the upcoming campaign...

"In terms of preparation for the campaign, I think this job is one of challenge and opportunity. The challenge we've got is a lot of young players who are with us, but actually, that's because we've got players out in Asia getting an opportunity with our first team.

"So, who knows what the group will look like when the season starts. We hope as many are with our first team as possible, because that's the job. So at the moment, we're just looking at developing each player.

"There are young ones out there who are getting their first taste of men's football. In terms of players standing out, I've got to be honest, I think we can reach higher levels than that. I wouldn't want to single out any individual right now.

"I think they've all got to keep pushing, and they've got to make sure that when the first game of the season starts, with either the 18s or the 21s, that they've performed to a level where the shirt is theirs because that's what it's going to be.

"When the season starts, they need to be pushing to be starting. Ideally, it's for the 21s, but if not, they've got to be getting in the 18s team, and that's their objective for pre-season from us."

On looking ahead to the next pre-season test...

"In terms of implementing what we learned from today's game, Chelmsford will play directly if you press them. So, I think we're going to have to deal with direct play well. Chelmsford have gone full-time this year, so I think the intensity will be similar to this in terms of physicality, and it'll be a tough match.

"The thing that I would like us to add to our performance is just a little bit more patience and purpose in the final third. I think we got there at times, and we forced our play. I think we can be better than that, and that's something that we're moving on to now in terms of what we work on through pre-season.

"Hopefully, that's come at a good time. In terms of the positives, I think we've got to deal with the direct play well, like we did for the majority of the game. Unfortunately, for two of the moments, we didn't, and that cost us.

"That's a great lesson for us and for the players to reflect on, and then can we be a little bit better with the ball, particularly in the final third, to hopefully create some more chances. That'll be the challenge for all of us to try and take into Chelmsford."