GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY manager Brian Little expressed his delight, despite the Blues going down 3-0 to Championship side Leeds United at the Northolme last night.

Former Lincoln City loan striker Davide Somma and fellow forward Max Gradel (2) were on target for the West Yorkshire club in what was Trinity's first game of pre-season.

The Blues begin their Blue Square Bet North campaign at Worcester on August 14 and while Little revealed he would have liked to have beaten Simon Grayson's men, he admitted preparation for the Blues' league opener was more important.

"It was a great work out for the team," said Little.

"Leeds included five first-team players and we had to work really hard, especially in the first half when we were being chased around the pitch.

"We were very unlucky not to score a couple of goals in the second half but it is all about gearing up for August 14.

"I asked the players to treat the game as a fitness session and we did not disgrace ourselves.

"The difference really were the two strikers who scored their goals."

Trinity face Brigg at home, on Saturday in the Lincolnshire County Cup (3pm), but will not be able to field trialists Marcus Bignot, Nick McNamara and Gavin Hurren.

"They can't play as it is a cup game," said Little.

"The Leeds game was all about our fitness but we will be approaching the Brigg game with a slightly different mentality.

"We want to win every game we play, but the Brigg game is a cup clash so it is important we do well."