Darrell Clarke was pleased with his Barnsley team’s first run-out despite a ‘rusty’ performance in a 3-1 win at Alfreton, and added that ‘we have a lot of work to do’ including in the transfer market.

The Reds won 3-1 at the National League North side with goals by Josh Earl, Max Watters and Josiah Dyer.

Clarke said: “It was a rusty first 60 minutes for the boys. It’s their first match but it’s a good work-out and we picked up no injuries. I don’t read too much into pre-season. It’s about getting a squad ready for the start of the season. The young lads did well and moved the ball well.”

Clarke, has been working with the squad for two weeks, confirmed it was the 'plan and the hope' to get more signings in before the training camp in Loughborough the week after next. He did not want to comment on reports of a bid being accepted for Emmanuel Longelo from Birmingham.

He said: “The commitment has been very very good. I am seeing a lot of good things but we need to keep working. Further down the line we will get bodies in to freshen up the group.

“There’s a lot of work to do to get the right players in the building to complement the group we’ve already got.”

The fit first team players who did not feature all played for the under 21s in their 1-0 win at Derby County on Wednesday. There will be another behind-closed-doors game on Wednesday.

Defender Donovan Pines did not play as he returns from surgery. Clarke said: “He’s just starting to get into full-time training. It’s very positive. His fitness levels are really good. The medical team has done an excellent job. We’re hoping he’s not too far from getting some minutes.”