Andy Butler says his side will take the positives from defeat at Stockport County with the first game of the season the main priority.
The Belles suffered a 5-0 loss in 28-degree heat on Sunday but Butler says the focus for the match was fitness not results.
“We can take the positive out of the game and we got a lot of minutes into the players’ legs,” he said.
“It was a baking hot day and we only had 14 players, but the girls ran their socks off. I was really impressed with the work rate and full credit goes to them for their application and desire.
“I thought in places, the players did what we asked them to do but we haven’t played for a long time and they’re all getting used to one another again.
“When you take into account it was our first game and we haven’t done any shape work yet, overall you have to look at it as really good fitness.”
The fixtures were released last week, with the Belles set to begin their 2021/22 campaign with a trip to Burton Albion on August 15.
“The overall picture is not right now – it’s when the season starts and as long as we keep progressing and improving then I’ve got no issues,” Butler added.
“All the league games will be tough this season, but we’re going to push for promotion. We’ve got a squad who’ve been together for a few years now and we all know each other’s roles and responsibilities.
“It’ll be brilliant to be back and have fans about. We usually get a good crowd at home so hopefully they come back in numbers and we can go on a good run and show what we’re about.”