With less than a week to go until the start of the National League season, Rhys Murphy and Tom Bradbury secured a final friendly victory.

Backed by over 600 supporters as part of the club’s Family Fun Day, Collins was quick to praise the Glovers faithful: “The connection with the fans has been brilliant, especially at Taunton. With the amount that travelled down and gave us a good cheer then waited around after despite the lengthy team talk to shake the lads’ hands.

“They’ve turned up in their numbers again and will be vital as the season goes on.”

With the green and whites only losing once in pre-season, they capped it off against a City side boasting a host of first team players including the likes of Matty Taylor. 

Pleased with the performance, Collins said: “They had a bit of a spell second half, but we still created the better chances. They had experienced players here, and at their age I had played 100 appearances so they’re not young lads anymore, they’re men, so it was a good performance.

“I think in the last week or so, in particular, it has really come together. The new lads have come in and adjusted really quickly.”