Whilst the First Team headed to Boreham Wood with three of the B Team youngsters involved, the rest of the young Bees travelled to Wiltshire to face Steve Claridge's side, and it was a valuable test as those players who have remained at the Club from last season got 60 minutes under their belts whilst the staff were able to give a selection of Trialists an opportunity to impress.
It was Alex Gilbert who pulled the strings throughout from midfield with new players Max Dickov and Max Wilcox also earning an hour of game time as they built fitness alongside Tristan Crama and Nico Jones. Ben Winterbottom grabbed 45 minutes as he was replaced by Roco Rees for the second half in goal.
"We're really happy with the opening game of pre-season," explained Neil at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium after seeing his player put in quite an effort in the heat. "The boys have put in a terrific shift back at Jersey Road over the last 10 days as we've built up to our opening game. I thought, in our first half performance particularly, we played some really good football. The team was filled with a number of the boys who we have retained from last season alongside a number of Trialists who are looking to make an impression. I thought it was a really good performance.
Watch as Neil MacFarlane reflects on the Salisbury win
"We dominated possession and moved the ball really well, particularly in the first half, but we got done with one direct ball, which was the case for the first goal or even in the second half we got done by a corner kick. These are types of things that we will be able to brush up on throughout the season, but there were many pleasing aspects which we have been working on at the training ground."
Both goals originally stemmed from some good work rate from the players as a couple of Trialists did well to win the ball back high up the pitch from the Salisbury back line before combining well and slotting home. The other came from a Nico Jones challenge high up the field and it eventually ended up with a clearance from Salisbury and then Gilbert slotted home with precision. Neil also believes that the match gave those players signed with the Club a chance to work on their leadership skills as they had to drive the application and standards of the team throughout the 90 minutes.
Read the full report of the test in Salisbury here
Neil continued; "The first goal, the way the players won the ball back and put together a good combination and a good finish. The energy of the group was really good throughout and we're really satisfied with the first game.
"I thought he (Alex Gilbert) was outstanding. He controlled the game, the tempo of it. He made it quick when it had to be and then showed composure to keep us in possession to try and move them (Salisbury) about the pitch. He should be really satisfied with his opening game.
"It's good for their leadership skills. They have to lead what is a much changed group with a number of Trialists playing. It is a part of the development of the players.
"The group is changing constantly at present and it will settle down in the coming weeks, but all we can ask for is that type of application and attitude towards the game which was first class throughout."