John Coleman was satisfied with his side's result against Southport yesterday as the Reds continue to prepare for life in League One.
Stanley drew 1-1 with the Yellows at Haig Avenue in a game that took a while to come to life, both goals coming in the second half.
Billy Kee's header opened the scoring in the 47th minute, less than two minutes after coming on as a substitute, before Nathan Lowe's free kick brought the hosts level with twenty minutes remaining.
Coleman said: "It was a good game, Southport will do well in the National League North next year.
"That's the type of game we're going to have to play this season. They pressed us well, they were quite physical, they had great delivery from set plays and caused us a lot of problems.
"We were very wasteful in possession at times, we tried to carry the ball a bit too much. I don't think we moved the ball quickly enough and we got caught in possession trying to run with the ball.
"There were quite a few positives out there, it's just that we need to move the ball quicker. We were guilty of trying to overplay when a direct pass was on and we were turning that down and trying to run with it too much, but that's something we can address."
The manager used the opportunity to give game time to those trying to become first team regulars, and improve the squad's match fitness before the opening day of the season against Gillingham on August 4.
"You can't go into a season with just eleven players," said Coleman.
"I thought Danny Williams had a smashing game. Erico was lively in the first half and so was Piero, who's then put a brilliant ball in for Billy Kee's goal.
"We've got players who are pushing for places and that's what we want."