DAVE Ferris was chuffed with the application shown by his depleted Chippenham Park side as they were edged out by title-chasers Cheddar last weekend.

Park, who, like in previous weeks, remained short on numbers, were beaten 2-0 at Hardenhuish Park, with Callum Ham and Adam Jones notching for the Somserset visitors.

Manager Ferris blamed individual errors for Park’s defeat but reckoned that his team’s display was nothing to sniff at, with a number of his charges impressing in unfamiliar positions.

“To be blunt, there was very little in the game whatsoever and I’d say that Cheddar looked – and I mean looked – the slightly better side,” said the Park boss.

“The performance was good and their first goal has come from us passing out from the back and giving the ball away.

“The second has come when their lad has had a shot that’s hit our keeper in the chest and bounced to another lad, who’s unmarked seven yards out – apart from that, Cheddar didn’t really create any clear-cut chances.

“We had the bare 11 against Keynsham (on April 1), with two lads carrying injuries, and it was the same against Wellington (on April 13).

“On Saturday, Callum Bell came in at left-back and did very well and Jamie Norman, who’s usually at left-back, had to play at centre-back.

“Ryan Tyrell, who usually plays in midfield, also had to go at centre-back, but did very well too and Mark Robinson made superb runs up front all game.

“It’s been a bit of a disappointing season because of player unavailability but the lads that turn out regularly for us have been fantastic.”

Ferris’ men travel to Wincanton Town next weekend and are set to welcome back Dan Smith and Shane Blackmore from suspension.