Swansea City played a behind-closed-doors friendly on Tuesday afternoon.
Brentford were the opponents, with the west Londoners sending a B team to Fairwood to provide Russell Martin's fringe players an opportunity of a competitive run-out.
He said of the game: “We’ve had a fairly consistent starting XI, which has some guys haven’t had the minutes they would have liked or need to stay really match fit when they’re needed in the team.
“Brentford B were really good opposition who are used to playing together a lot. They were really aggressive and athletic, so it was a great test for our guys in difficult conditions and they got a lot out of it physically while the coaching team took a lot from it tactically.
“It was really important that their team-mates also watched the game too. They don’t get to step back and watch how everything pans out, but this gave them that opportunity. Everyone took something from the game.
“It looked like a first-team game with the way our guys approached it.”
The game finished 2-2, with goals (both penalties) from Liam Walsh and Michael Obafemi for the home side.
The team that lined up read: Steven Benda, Joel Latibeaudiere, Brandon Cooper, Rhys Williams, Morgan Whittaker, Daniel Williams, Yan Dhanda, Liam Walsh, Lincoln Mcfayden, Liam Cullen, Michael Obafemi.
Not one of the above has been able to force his way into Martin's plans on a regular basis and each face key decisions ahead of the January transfer window.
With a new recruitment structure now in place, Swansea's transfer window planning will be well under way despite the disruption of Andy Scott's departure.
Players will have to leave in order for new players to arrive, meaning the fate of the fringe men is the absolute crux of Martin's plan come January.
Benda began the season as Martin's number one but quickly lost his place to Ben Hamer, who appears most comfortable with ball at his feet. With MK Dons keeper Andy Fisher on Martin's radar, one suspects Benda could move on next month or in the summer.
Latibeaudiere , Cooper and Rhys Williams have had their routes to the first team blocked by the impressive performances of Kyle Naughton, Ryan Bennett, Ryan Manning and Ben Cabango. All three will have had aspirations of more game-time this season.
Latibeaudiere will surely be kept around in case of injury to Ethan Laird at right wing-back, but the future of Rhys Williams is more up in the air. A return to Liverpool can't be ruled out, with Hearts defender Craig Halkett the latest name to be linked with a move to SA1.
What happens with Cooper - another loan, perhaps? - is dependant on what occurs with Rhys Williams.
Whittaker is almost certain to leave Landore on loan next moth, with Lincoln City keen to revive their summer interest in the former Derby County man.
Martin admitted he wouldn't be surprised if there had been interest in Daniel Williams last summer, especially given his goalscoring exploits in the EFL Cup. A loan move next month could well be on the cards for the promising midfielder.
Dhanda , out of contract in the summer, will be moved on next month if possible in order to free-up space within the squad and to boost the financial coffers.
Walsh's start to life in south Wales has been as frustrating for him as it has been for supporters. Injury has meant he hasn't been able to kick on with his career in SA1, with the form of Matt Grimes and Flynn Downes also blocking his first-team progression. He'll come good, though, and appears to be part of Martin's squad plans.
For Mcfayden read Daniel Williams; the young left-back could do with minutes under his belt.
And up front, Cullen and Obafemi have endured frustration for one reason or another. Joel Piroe is clear favourite at number nine meaning others have to play second fiddle at present. Neither is likely to be moved next month but with further attacking additions eyed, it will be fascinating to see where the duo fit in.
“We said before and after the game – everyone trains and gets all the detail possible because you could be needed at any point,” said Martin.
“You could go from out of the squad to into the starting XI, which has happened this season, to going from the bench to starting. You have to give the best version of yourself every day.
“Brandon Cooper was outstanding, Michael scored and worked very hard. Culls was the same, although he didn’t score, while Yan Dhanda’s approach to the game was excellent. Rhys did really well and got more minutes in his legs after last weekend because he felt a bit tired.
“Joel Latibeaudiere was excellent, and it was another chance for him to play in the wing-back position.
“It was really important to give Walshy some minutes too. He got 90 minutes, and that will be really beneficial to him because he hasn’t played for a while.
“So we took a lot from this game as a group of players and staff.”
The fringe XI
Benda - LOANED OUT/POSSIBLY SOLD
Latibeaudiere - STAYS
Cooper - POSSIBLE LOAN
Rhys Williams - ?
Whittaker - LOANED OUT
Daniel Williams - LOANED OUT
Dhanda - SOLD
Walsh - STAYS
Mcfayden - LOANED OUT
Cullen - STAYS
Obafemi - STAYS
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