IT'S rare to see a manager emerge from the dressing room after a home defeat with a broad grin on his face.

But after watching Mansfield Town's 2-1 defeat to neighbours Nottingham Forest in Wednesday's pre-season friendly, David Holdsworth was delighted.

Things would have undoubtedly have been different had the Stags just been on the wrong end of the scoreline in a league match.

A similar result against Forest Green Rovers on August 14, for instance, would not go down well.

Yet because his team showed up well against high-class opponents from three divisions higher, Holdsworth was happy.

The hope is for another positive showing at Field Mill today against Tranmere Rovers – the club who beat another Forest XI 2-0 at Prenton Park in midweek.

"There were tonnes of positives to come out of the Forest game. I was delighted with some of the players' performances, especially in the second half," said Holdsworth.

"We probably had too much respect for a strong Forest side in the first half.

"If you give people like Dele Adebola and Nathan Tyson space then they are going to punish you – and they did.

"But you are not going to find yourself up against that class of player in the Blue Square Premier – they were outstanding moves that led to their goals.

"The players got another match under their belts and we had the chance to look at the trialists (Ashley Caines and Danny Mitchley). I'm certainly very pleased with where we are going and it was a good night.

"The Tranmere game is another good home test. I hope the fans have enjoyed watching the teams we have managed to get down here this pre-season."

Mansfield unveiled two new signings before their match with the Reds.

Striker Keigan Parker and midfielder Tyrone Thompson were introduced to the crowd and received a warm reception from home fans.

Holdsworth feels the two 28-year-olds can have a significant impact at the Stags.

He said: "It took a lot of hard work to get Keigan here – I was in talks with his representative for nearly two months.

"He could have taken more money elsewhere, but he has bought into coming here, enjoying his football and doing well.

"Hopefully he will rediscover his goalscoring touch. He has got age on his side and has pace as well as experience. He could be a real asset.

"Tyrone is very fit, an athlete. You have to be able to get box to box as a midfielder – and he brings that.

"He's a natural leader and everyone I speak to – including players, which is important – speaks very highly of him."

Neither Parker nor Thompson are likely to start for the Stags this afternoon, having been out of regular training after being released at the end of last season by Oldham and Torquay respectively.