Nigel Clough knows pre-season defeats can serve a good purpose for his Burton Albion side - and Friday's loss to AFC Wimbledon was a perfect example.
The Brewers had won each of their first three friendly games - against Kidsgrove Athletic, Mickleover Sports and Solihull Moors - as they travelled to the League One Dons - but that run was to come to an end.
Dean Parrett and Cody McDonald capitalised on some sloppy work at the back by Albion to make it 2-0 just before half-time, while substitute Jayden Antwi got the better of Tom Naylor when he tried to shepherd the ball into touch, with the home winger racing clear to fire home a third late on.
Clough 's side produced a mixed display overall. As we have seen so far this summer, they were keen to attack from the back using quick, incisive passing - but the intensity and physicality of Wimbledon's defence across the field pressured them into numerous errors, not allowing them to settle into a rhythm.
As far as the manager is concerned, they could not have asked for anything more as his squad look to be fully prepared for another campaign in the Championship.
"It was brilliant for us, absolutely brilliant - that's one of the reasons we wanted to come here," he said.
"They're one of the most hard-working teams in League One. They closed us down, pressed us and we gave three goals away, hence the scoreline.
"It (the pressure) will come in a different form, it won't come like that (in the Championship), because very few Championship clubs will work as hard as Wimbledon do.
"Once again, that's why we came here at this stage.
"We are still 15 days off being ready, and we will be closer to full fitness in 15 days' time.
"We don't like losing, but sometimes you don't mind losing because it just gives the players a little kick up the backside and a little think - 'wait a minute, we've still got a fair bit of work to do here'.
"So we don't mind that at all."
Matlock Town and AFC Wimbledon reaction
Twelve months ago, Albion also suffered their first defeat of the summer on the second Friday of pre-season friendlies - a 1-0 reverse at Exeter City.
And those outings can be just as informative as any pre-season wins, as Clough knows well.
"When we plan the pre-season, it's the Friday night one where sometimes we're a bit lethargic," added the Brewers boss.
"You've had a few hours travelling on the bus, hanging around and things.
"It happened at Exeter last year, just the same. We'll be back on it on Wednesday against West Bromwich Albion (after Monday's trip to Rocester).
"We are still looking at other things as well. It's a good wake-up call."
