Nigel Worthington suffered his first pre-season defeat at the hands of Premiership side Newcastle last night, but claimed a victory of sorts as far as Norwich City's build-up to the new season is concerned.

Nigel Worthington suffered his first pre-season defeat at the hands of Premiership side Newcastle last night, but claimed a victory of sorts as far as Norwich City's build-up to the new season is concerned.

The Geordies fielded a number of players who are expected to be regulars in their side this season, although manager Glenn Roeder left new £5m signing Damien Duff behind to build up his fitness.

“I thought it was a very good game and a good exercise from our point of view against quality Premiership opposition,” said Worthington, whose plans were hindered by the absence of skipper Adam Drury because of a tight hamstring, forcing him to switch Jurgen Colin to left back.

“We worked hard, passed the ball very well at times ourselves, could have passed it better at other times, but it was a very useful exercise.”

Worthington admitted he was disappointed with the visitors opening goal, which came from a right wing cross by Nobby Solano.

“It was a bit soft,” he said. “Jurgen's had to fill in there tonight, but if Adam had been there he might have sniffed out the cross. Could have been better - but the second goal they scored was a Premiership goal.

“But we stuck at it and we finished very bright, which I was pleased about.

“We are getting there, we have another game to go and we will keep looking at it, keep working at it and try and get it right.

“It was a good game - Newcastle came to have a good go, we set out to have a good go. Yes, it's a testimonial game, but it is a pre-season game and that is the way both coaches looked at it.”