They were beaten for the first time in pre-season as Nathan Ellington scored the only goal for Coca-Cola Championship club Derby County at Nene Park last night.

But Diamonds were without the likes of Andy Burgess, Jon Challinor, Sagi Burton and Marcus Kelly as Hill continues to assess all his options for the Blue Square Premier kick-off at Eastbourne Borough on August 9.

He said: "The players are settling together very well with the squad which we have assembled this summer.

"There's still a little bit of work to be done, no doubt about that.

"But all credit to the chairman (Keith Cousins) because we've built a strong squad. When you look at recent seasons this is the best group we've had for a while.

"People are probably looking at us and wondering what the first team is going to be away to Eastbourne. We'll see what happens in the next 10 days."

Ellington struck two minutes into the second half after his strike
partner Rob Hulse had wasted a hat-trick of clear-cut chances before the break.

But Diamonds almost earned a draw as Lee Tomlin clipped the crossbar and Dean McDonald was denied by former Manchester United keeper Roy Carroll's point-blank save.

Hill added: "I was very pleased with our overall performance.

"I'd like to thank Derby for fetching such a strong squad with quality over here. I was looking forward to the game and even more so when I saw the team sheet because I knew it would be another big test for us.

"There were a lot of plusses to come out of it. Some of the boys got 90 minutes for the first time and there is competition for places now."

Left-sided defender Justyn Roberts – previously at Nottingham Forest and Weymouth – completed last night's match as he looks to earn a deal with Diamonds.

Midfielder Rob Wolleaston was taken off as a precaution after only 34
minutes of his first appearance since a hernia operation. However, player-coach Chris Hope recovered from a head injury.

Diamonds return to action tomorrow (7pm kick-off) against an Arsenal XI before wrapping up the pre-season programme at home to a Tottenham Hotspur XI on Monday (7.30pm) in physiotherapist Simon Parsell's
testimonial.