DEVIZES chairman Phil Rossiter has praised management duo Nathan Sheridan and Jamie Gale despite another pres-eason defeat.

A scratch first team side including many reserve players, who had played already that day, went down 3-0 to Shrivenham at Nursteed Road on Saturday, a third defeat in a row.

Shortages of players meant that Sheridan took the field for the first time this season.

Rossiter said the duo had done a good job at the club and followed exactly what the club's board had asked of them. He added the loss of established players including Andy Coombs, Simon Price, Dave Macey, Brian Kayll, Nathan Perkins and Lee Beavis had not helped Sheridan's opening stint.

But the chairman said Sheridan had signed in good, young local players as the board had requested.

Rossiter added there would also be no Gordon Strachan syndrome if the team started poorly. "We all know it is going to be hard work this season and we are all being realistic about it.

"We have taken a lot of youngsters on and most have not played Western League football at all let alone Premier standard. We know it will take a few games to bed in and with the opening fixtures we have it will be tough. Once we get through to September then I am sure the team will start to perform really well."

Rossiter said although the first team had not scored and conceded 11 goals in the pre-season he felt the performances of the side warranted praise. We know pre-season does not count for much. It is about match fitness and the manager trying out new things. But I have seen some promising things from the youngsters.

"This is a chance for some to step up. I think we can stay in the league and have one or two reasonable cup runs."

The club is still looking to bring in new players before the start of the season with Sheridan in talks with two centre backs.

Devizes play Shrewton tonight at Nursteed Road, kick off is 7.45pm.