Bristol Rovers finished their pre-season with a much-needed win, and it was new signings Brett Pitman and Luke Thomas who caught Clint Hill's eye.
The assistant manager, on press duties again despite Joey Barton's return from leave on Thursday, singled out Pitman and Thomas for their performances in the 3-2 win over Oxford United on Saturday.
Rovers came from behind twice at the Mem to secure their first win of the summer against the League One Us.
Thomas' Panenka penalty cancelled out Steve Seddon's opener before half time, but James Henry put Oxford ahead shortly after the break.
Pitman, a 61st-minute substitute after sealing a move from Swindon Town on Friday, made an instant impact up top, unlucky to hit the woodwork with a header before nodding the equaliser from close range with 12 minutes to play.
And, two minutes from time, he mustered an inspired finish from all of 40 yards to outfox goalkeeper Jack Stevens after persistent pressing from Ryan Jones.
"It was a hard-fought win against a really good outfit," Hill said. "They’ve been in the play-offs the past couple of years, so we knew how tough it would be.
"Some mad moments in there as well as good, but it was good to see Brett Pitman get on the pitch. He’s only trained with us for a day and you can see the quality he brings to the team.
"Using the experience he’s got throughout these leagues, he will be a big player for us.
"He just sees things happening before anyone else. The ball was in the air for a good few seconds and he just knows where to be.
"The way he controlled the centre-half in terms of the ball being played up to him and winning little fouls and using his experience, it’s just invaluable to a team and how you connect with your teammates.
"He was just superb."
Thomas played 70-odd minutes for the second game in succession and looked dangerous throughout; his penalty deserved reward for his efforts.
Hill said: "He (Thomas) will be a fans’ favourite, definitely. The fans have already taken to him.
"It was a cheeky penalty. My heart stopped for a few seconds, but he’s a genius, he’s a quality player and we need to get him up and motoring as quickly as we can because he’s going to be a hell of a player for us."
