START as you mean to go on is Bryan Hughes' philosophy after seeing two of his strikers score their first pre-season goals.

Summer signing Leighton McIntosh and Bobby Grant, continuing to make an impact in friendly matches since returning for training ahead of the 2019-20 campaign, were on target as Wrexham beat Telford United 2-0 on Saturday.

"You want them to start building confidence," said Hughes.

"Leighton's was a good team goal; started at the back, all one touch stuff up to JJ Hooper and Leighton making a run into the box.

"He took it as well too.

"It was pleasing Bobby's goal. A set-piece, we kept the ball alive, a bit of composure off Jason Oswell and then off Shaun Pearson especially and Bobby's movement, a great finish."

Both goals came in between Telford threatening an equaliser and coming closest through Marcus Dinanga whose penalty was saved by Reds keeper Christian Dibble.

Dibble was second choice last term to player of the year Rob Lainton, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, and continues to impress his manager in pre-season.

"Christian is a top keeper," said Hughes.

"Rob unfortunately got an injury so we need to get Christian the game time in pre-season just to make sure he is ready for that first game if needed.

"He didn't play a lot of games last season so it is important now that he gets any mistakes or anything out of the system in these games because he is staking a claim for that first game.

"It is going to be touch and go whether Rob is going to be fit so we keep monitoring Rob and keep giving Christian the minutes that he needs to make sure that he is ready."

First year pros Matty Sargent and Jack Thorn, who weren't involved in last week's Portuguese training camp, both played 90 minutes against Telford but there was no place in the squad for Mike Fondop, the other player who didn't head overseas.

Hughes explained why the out-of-favour Fondop did not feature.

"Mike hasn't come back in the same fitness levels as some of the others," said Hughes.

"It was important to get a week back on the training ground. He trained with Matty and Jack, joined in sessions with the youth team.

"He got game-time against Fleetwood but we are just monitoring Mike.

"He is still part of the first team group. He trained with us on Friday but I chose not to bring him, just to make sure that he gets himself right and gets his fitness levels up, and then he will come into contention."

Sargent and Thorn got a full game and Hughes was pleased with the duo.

"Unfortunately we couldn't take them to Portugal so it was about giving them some of the stuff that we have worked on during the week," said Hughes.

"Both played 90 minutes and both done well.

"There is still loads to improve but they are coming along nicely."

Midfielder Devonte Redmond was not involved but Hughes is not concerned.

"He hurt his thigh against Portimonense so we weren't going to risk him," added Hughes.

"We got him off straight away. He has responded to treatment well so I am hopeful he will play some part this week, whether it is Stoke or Curzon."