ThE final 90 minutes of preparation for the Dr Martens season saw Tim Harris' side ease to a 4-1 win over Hellenic League outfit Gloucester United.

In fact, the victory margin could have been greater but the chance to improve team fluidity seemed to come first in manager Tim Harris' mind.

The return to the ground where the Exiles played for two seasons was not so much a nostalgic one as one of expectation with the new campaign soon to start.

However, with new signing Billy Clark having to sit out proceedings as a precaution for next Saturday's first match at King's Lynn, there was a further pre-match blow with the loss of Jason Perry, a foot injury sustained in the warm up putting him out of the action.

Nevertheless, it was a very effective display and scoreline - although home striker Julian Freeman caused one or two early problems and should have put his side ahead. He did get on the score sheet three minutes before half time but, by then, both Scotts - Griffin and Walker - had established a County lead.

Once again, the former Bath City man, signed on a free transfer under the Bosman transfer ruling, showed his overall class and a powerful shot that left another Scott - Rose in the Gloucester goal - helpless. It followed four minutes after Griffin's chip into an empty net after the harassed Rose went walkabout nearer the half-way line than his penalty area.

Once again there was a quick double strike for County early in the second half with goals from Ryan Souter and Garry Shephard emphasising the difference in class between the teams. Souter produced an efficient header to Darren Ryan's (pictured) in-swinging corner and Shephard, last season's top scorer, recovered from a heavy penalty area challenge on him to convert the resulting spot kick.

He could well have had another on 74 minutes with 'keeper Rose needing to go full length to keep out a stinging shot. Rose was also in action to thwart Martin Paul and Steve Cowe as County turned up the pressure in the later stages.

Much of the build-up play was good to watch and, with Walker and James operating impressively on the flanks, the front runners will not be short of ammunition when league points are at stake in just five days' time.