DUDLEY Town boss Andy Allardice says he was pleased with his side's performance despite defeat against second-placed Haughmond last Saturday.

The Robins lost 3-1 away from home but the manager has taken heart from how well his players faired against one of the league's in-form sides.

Town, who welcomed back Joe Woodall to the back line for the game, were drawing 1-1 at the break thanks to Daz Hand's first half header but let the game slip away in the second half.

Allardice said: "I was absolutely over the moon with our performance.

"It was just disappointing not to come away with three points because we did really well.

"I have told the players that if they can keep playing like that then they will be absolutely fine this season.

"They kept plugging away and it was only a deflected effort that gave them the lead once more. After that we had to go for it and try and get the equaliser but just left ourselves a little open."

Dudley's task to get back to winning ways doesn't get any easier this weekend with a trip to Ellesmere Rangers on the cards.