STANLEY manager John Coleman was pleased with the improvement in his team's defending in the final pre-season match at Halifax.

The Reds drew 0-0 in a competitive game at the Shay.

And Coleman felt his players deserved what they got for their hard work.

"We're delighted with the clean sheet," he said. "I thought we defended really well, especially in the second half when they didn't cause us too many problems. Obviously we would've liked to score and win the game because we had chances in the second half.

"In the first half I thought we were wasteful in possession and looked a little bit sloppy. You have to get that rustiness out of your system and it's better to do it in these games than in the league.

"I thought we pinned them in a lot more in the second half for longer periods and got back to playing the way I know we can play.

"Aaron had a couple of shots straight at him and he saved the penalty and that was about it. Elliot had less to do. I think Omar Beckles and Mark Hughes are starting to form a solid partnership and now we need to build on being a threat going forward and that's something we have to work on this week."