THE Motormen are clicking into gear as the Conference North kick-off draws ever closer but manager Carl Macauley is refusing to read too much into his team's pre-season results.
Having opened their warm-up programme with a win over Tranmere Rovers last month, Vauxhall claimed yet another notable scalp at Rivacre Park on Saturday by defeating a youthful Everton XI 2-1 with a late Gary Martindale strike.
Unbeaten so far in pre-season, Macauley's men are shaping up well as they look forward to the start of the Conference North campaign a week on Saturday.
The Motors boss is quietly satisfied with his team's progress.
'Things have been going well,' said Macauley.
'Everton sent their kids but it was still a stiff test, especially in the first half when they played some great stuff.
'We'll take the win and it won't do us any harm, but it's only pre-season and we're not getting carried away.
'We gave Everton a good game and the pleasing thing is that teams like that will always come back and play you again if you give them a good work-out.'
Highly-rated Blues youngster John Paul Kissock turned in an eye-catching display but he was unable to inspire the visitors to victory.
The 16-year-old prospect was 'awe-some', according to Macauley, but it was Vauxhall who took the lead on 55 minutes.
After a shot by Karl O'Donnell from the right-hand angle of the penalty area was parried by keeper John Ruddy, substitute Anthony Wright - back after a year out through injury - followed up.
It was the striker's third goal in two games but Everton drew level when Steven Morrison scored for the second game in succession, beating Tim Dittmer despite the substitute keeper getting his hand to the ball.
The match looked to be heading for a draw until winger Stuart Whittaker set up player-coach Martindale to bag a last-minute winner after some pinball in the Everton box.
* The Motormen visit UniBond League outfit Burscough tomorrow for their final pre-season game.
