WANDERERS got among the goals once again in their third pre-season outing against Loughborough University – but the day was marred by a serious injury to Dennis Politic at the end of the second half.

Ian Evatt’s side has yet to concede a goal this summer and have bagged a hatful themselves, yet their day ended in an air of disappointment as one of their brightest young talents was stretchered off the pitch.

Good, bad and ugly: Here are the main talking points from 90 minutes.

1. LOCK-PICKERS

Antoni Sarcevic wore the captain’s armband in the first half, playing in the number 10 role behind Nathan Delfouneso and Eoin Doyle, and scoring a brilliant goal in the first half. He was joined in midfield by Ali Crawford – playing slightly deeper alongside Brandon Comley.

Wanderers got more joy down the right side in Gethin Jones but the two looked well capable of playing in the same starting line-up and it certainly raises an intriguing selection dilemma for Evatt who, until now, looked set to play Tom White as the second deeper-lying midfielder.

2. RICO’S A GO-GO

Ricardo Santos started on the right side of defence and, with Loughborough pinned back, had more room than most to push on and force his way into the game. The former Peterborough United man is comfortable in possession and popped up in some good positions.

In the second half, Harry Brockbank came on in the same role and also looked to have the shackles taken off.

Evatt will need to cajole his centre-halves to venture forward at the right time and get involved – but it looks like the message is sinking in.

3. GORDON’S GOAL

We should rein in a little of the excitement surrounding the young left wing-back, as he has not yet faced an opponent with proper league experience, but he certainly seems ready, willing and able to get forward and fully deserved his second goal of pre-season.

Gethin Jones was similar on the right side in the first half – consistently getting beyond the home defence to create good opportunities.

4. RISKS AT THE BACK

Though the scoreline showed exactly how one-sided the game was, there were a few moments early on where mis-placed passes left Wanderers vulnerable.

More risks are going to have to be taken in possession if Evatt’s brand is going to work and better sides will certainly punish mistakes. The trick will be to keep them to a bare minimum.

5. STIFFER TESTS

Up to now, Wanderers have played against two Northern Premier League teams and one from the Northern Counties East, passing each test with flying colours. It will be interesting to see what levels they can reach against better opposition, and exactly who they line-up before the serious stuff begins in September.

6. GOOD LUCK, DENNIS

You knew instantly that Dennis Politic had a serious injury when he collapsed on to the turf, screaming in pain, and barely moved as the medical staff gathered around to help him.

The youngster came on leaps and bounds last season despite the problems Wanderers had on and off the pitch and was looking in fine fettle this summer too.

But he is 20 years old and has a great career ahead of him. Everyone connected with Wanderers will be right behind him as he makes his recovery – and hopefully we see that swagger back on the pitch sooner, rather than later.