Lee said: “I think the only thing you can really say is that the match gave us the chance to have a look at a lot of people in and around the first team reckoning.

“There was no doubting the effort turned in by the players, but the result was hugely disappointing. We let ourselves down in key areas of the pitch — not least in the way we conceded the two goals. And we didn’t really carry too much threat going forward.

“However, it has to be looked upon as just one game among many in our build-up to the new season. I didn’t expect us to go undefeated in the warm-up games and this will perhaps bring us down to earth a bit. And that’s no bad thing if it stops players getting over-confident.

“It has to be remembered that these games are primarily about taking a look at the all the players in the squad. We have to learn about people who might be considered fringe players because we need to know if we can rely on them if they are needed in the first team.”

The match at Spalding saw United feature, as a second half substitute, a mystery “trialist” striker who Lee declined to officially identify but who he said may figure again as the pre-season schedule gathers momentum.

Elsewhere on the squad front, Lee confirmed that the anticipated arrival of a loan player was still very much alive — a few minor points awaiting agreement.

And United officials confirmed that international clearance is awaited for youngster Jason Stokes to continue his playing involvement with the club after he spent a spell playing abroad in Belgium for fourth-tier side Royal Racing Montegnee.