"I'm happy with the new shape we're playing. It's given us the freedom to play the game we want to play."
While Saturday's squad was mainly made up of the core of the squad for the coming season, Francis promoted a couple of City Hammers stalwarts to add some experience, bringing in Dan Aplin and Thomas Sinton, who had solid games.
Playing a 4-3-3 formation gave City plenty of opportunities going forward, and they utilised the midfield to great effect in the very attacking formation. Both attacking midfielders got themselves on the scorecard, including a hat-trick from one of last season's impressive players, Carl Bond.
"Bondy was something else in the middle of the park and it was good to be able to be attacking," said Francis.
"We may flip over the midfield diamond and play with two defensive midfielders for some of the more challenging teams.
"We created plenty of opportunities though in front of goal, I think we had about eight shots on target, and converted five.
"So, while I'm happy, there will still be some shooting practice over the next week."
City travel to Skoglund Park next weekend to play North End AFC as they look to begin a march toward their goal of promotion by season's end.
In the Easter Cup knockout tournament, Wanganui City had two teams vying for the trophy on Saturday.
At home, coach Tex von Kwiatowski's Wanganui City Renovators battled away for a 1-0 win over the Hokowhitu Rangers, thanks to a goal from Tesco Grunwald.
Meanwhile, the Wanganui City Reserves overcame the odds to take their game to extra time and then win on penalties against the Red Sox Manawatu Rovers at Skoglund Park.
The Reserves showed plenty of heart to come back from a 4-0 deficit at halftime to finish the game tied at 5-all after extra time. A hat-trick to Reuben Warburton and a brace to Jake Lockett took the game to penalties.
With both teams unable to pull ahead, the deadlock was broken by Reserves keeper Heath King, who saved one and then converted his own attempt, sending the Reserves into the next round.
At this point, the draw from the hat saw both City teams meet in a club derby match at Wembley Park yesterday afternoon.
The Renovators took an early lead, only to have it cancelled out by the Reserves through Jake Lockett, who rounded the Renovators' young keeper Isaac Bell to beat him on the near post.
However, the draw was to be shortlived, as Grunwald stepped up to take a corner and watched it sail in over the head of the Reserves goalkeeper, leaving the Renovators 2-1 up at halftime.
While the first half was messy, it was clear to see that the fitness of both teams was yet to peak, with patches of entertaining play breaking out.
The afternoon heat was clearly taking a toll on the players from both sides.
Despite the Renovators playing the more attractive football, they often lacked the impetus and ideas about going forward, while the Reserves looked to be more direct and moved the ball efficiently through the midfield, to take advantage of their quick strikers.
Lockett again found the back of the net to lock the scores at 2-all with full time approaching, but neither team could capitalise on their opportunities.
That forced the match into extra time.
With both sides suffering in the heat, the final stanza of the match was dominated by the attacking promise of the City Reserves, as they quickly dismantled the Renovators' midfield and defence.
Lockett again used his pace to beat the keeper and, shortly after, Zane Robinson smashed the ball into the back of the net after Lockett again featured in play - offering a cute touch to bring Robinson in front of goal.
With the 4-2 win, the Reserves booked a place in the final.
They must now wait to see who their opponents are for the Easter Cup, and like the Renovators, will instead turn their attention to the start of the Western Premiership league, which kicks off this weekend.
