Brabin to resist Pilkington temptation

Centre-halves George Pilkington and Shane Blackett both got 45 minutes under their belts in a behind-closed-doors friendly defeat to Wycombe Wanderers last week.

Brabin said: “It gave us all a real lift to see some of them lads out there playing football again.

“It’s something we knew would happen and can only help us be stronger.

“There’s a temptation (to throw them in) but we need to be professional and keep believing what we are doing is right.

“We’ve got a good group of players and we are looking forward to going into games being able to name a settled side.

“George Pilkington and Shane Blackett, them two definitely need games. Charlie Henry and Curtis Osano, I think it’s really important we had a strong side and they all got minutes.

“We gave George and Shane 45 minutes and all being well we can give them a bit longer at St Neots on Tuesday.

“They were up against a really good forward line in (Elliot) Benyon and (Scott) Rendell.

“It was a fantastic workout for both sets of teams and we were delighted with it.

“There were a few aching bodies the next day because I don’t think Charlie Henry has played in 18 months, or at least it feels like that.

“George Pilkington’s last game was the final and Shane’s was a while back.

“They all felt on a high after it, but there were a few aching bodies.

“We are delighted with the progress and it’s another game towards them being fit for selection on a Saturday.”