DAVE Ferris was in no doubt that his players could hold their heads high following their extra-time FA Vase defeat to near neighbours Bradford Town last Friday.

Toolstation League First Division Park pushed their Premier Division rivals all the way at Hardenhuish Park before finally succumbing to a late Mark Wall goal, which ended their interest in the prestigious national competition at the second round proper stage.

Earlier, Alan Griffin headed home to force extra-time and cancel out Jack Hopper’s spectacular long-range opener for Bradford and Ferris was delighted to see his team finally match up to their opposite numbers after being so easily swept aside last season as the Trowbridge Road men romped to the First Division title.

“The first plus point was that it was the first time in three games against Bradford that we turned up for the start of it – in both games last season, we were pretty much 2-0 down inside the first ten minutes,” said the Park chief.

“Last season, I’d say that the boys were a little bit intimidated by Bradford. The only shame was that we lost possession trying to play good football, with one of our lads losing the ball not far outside our area, and Jack Hopper has cracked an absolute worldy into the top corner from 30 yards.

“But the pleasing thing was that we didn’t roll over and we upped the ante after going 1-0 down and deserved to get our equaliser.

“Bradford just about shaded things and the winner came when we were suffering from tired legs a bit but at the end of it, they knew they’d been in a game.

“Bradford are a very good side and from our point of view, things could have been different and on another day, we could have claimed a scalp and gotten through to the next round.”

Ferris’ side return to league action this weekend as they host third-placed Wincanton Town.

George Nash is away with the England futsal team whilst fellow midfielders Phil Baker and Dan Smith are ruled out through injury and suspension respectively.

Winger Ryan Campbell is also expected to be with Chippenham Town after featuring in the Bluebirds’ last four games.

MORE FOOTBALL NEWS, PICTURES AND REACTION IN THIS THURSDAY'S GAZETTE AND HERALD. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @gazsport