The scoreline may not have made for pleasant reading on Saturday, but the 4-0 defeat against Bradford City was a good workout for the Lions.

That’s according to Rhys Meynell, who believes that, while the difference in quality between the sides was clear, the game helped improve fitness levels ahead of the new season.

“It was tough, very tough with the heat more for us rather than them, but it was a good run out for all the lads,” the 24-year-old told Tom Feaheny.

“Of course it is always good but they had more experience and when they got in front of goal, it would end up a goal but we are learning.”

Rhys is one of a number of players who manager Steve Kittrick chose to keep on from last season and the former Stalybridge Celtic man said it was a straightforward decision to stay at Nethermoor.

“I’m very happy (to stay), as soon as the season finished I spoke to Steve and he offered me the same deal as last season. I snapped his arm off as I really enjoyed playing for Guiseley last season and hopefully we can go one better this time and be promoted.

“It was a bit sickening seeing FC Halifax go up last season as we were the second best team (in the league), and the play-offs seem to be a bit of a hoodoo for us so we will have to aim to go up automatically.”

Rhys also said he and a number his teammates were happy to see Steve remain at Nethermoor.

“It was definitely important and not just for me but also a number of the other lads such as Danny Ellis, Steve Drench and Andy Holdsworth. The core of the team stayed and I think if Kitty had left they would have followed him and not signed new deals with the club.”