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Brown was forced to field a side made up purely of youngsters and try-outs, but would have been encouraged, however, to see them conjure up victory against a decent Eastleigh outfit.
He said afterwards: “It wasn't a game I was particularly looking forward to, it's getting a bit boring now where I've had five first teamers missing, then seven, now eight. It's nothing to do with the training it's just a little bit of bad luck.
“It's the most difficult pre-season I've ever had as a manger as normally we're not full-time and I'd have all my players on board by now. It's a different ball game and a bit of a gamble to wait. Until players put pen to paper you can't relax.”
The boss is not only sweating over potential signings, but also about the squad he already has on board, with physio Sue Bowen working overtime.
“I need my first team players to start playing games. It's all right saying I've got some cover but I need them all back. There's only so many spaces I can cover and there was eight out today and I don't want to be going much further into the season without some of those coming back. I want to go into the game against Tamworth with a stronger side than I had today.”
The boss has earmarked the Tottenham game on Sunday to see the return of goalkeeper Nikki Bull, with more following the week after. There should also be new signings by Sunday as the boss hopes to tie down his targets.
As the season edges ever nearer however the boss is well aware that decisions must be made concerning the triallists, and Brown confirmed some players will not be coming back to the Rec.
Striker Mark Rawle, who impressed in the game against Bristol Rovers, was keeping his options open by turning out for Woking on Saturday, while Kezie Ibe is expected back for the Charlton game tonight.
Brown is, however, in talks with former QPR youngster Lewis Hamilton, and full back Hussein Suleman, who spent last season at Wigan Athletic after four years at Arsenal.
The boss still has plenty of positives to take from Saturday's game, notably, triallists Chris Nurse, formerly of Sutton and brother of Stevenage striker Jon, and ex-Oxford United midfielder Michael Alexis, who scored two goals.
Meanwhile, ex-Scarborough striker Chris Senior impressed despite having a stomach upset, while substitute Steve McNamara looked bright on the left wing.
Brown said: “Chris Senior was brilliant, he's very sharp, very quick, and we hope he'll be able to join us training.
“At the moment I've got nothing to go alongside David Lee, who is looking brilliant. I really like both Michael Alexis and Chris Nurse so I'll be looking to try and extend their time here.”
With thanks to the Aldershot News.