PHIL MULLEN was in optimistic mood despite his side’s 2-1 defeat at home to Gornal Athletic on Tuesday.

Bewdley Town still sit third in the West Midlands Regional League despite the setback.

That result came on the back of a 1-1 draw at Haughmond on Saturday.

Mullen said: “It was probably the best we have been on the ball against Gornal. I think we played some nice stuff at times, but they hit us on the break, we are a young side and perhaps a bit naive.

“It was a close encounter and we are still finding our feet, but I think Gornal are one of the sides who will be contending at the end of the season. We went 2-0 down and it was difficult for us then.”

Saturday’s draw at Haughmond came courtesy of a last-gasp penalty save by keeper Nat Drew, but Mullen felt it was a game they should have perhaps won. We finished the stronger and if anyone deserved to win it it was us.

“I suppose having saved the penalty we could have come away with nothing, but I felt overall it was a missed opportunity.”

Bewdley’s next stop is Wolverhampton Casuals on Saturday, then on Tuesday, they play host to Smethwick.

“I’m not getting carried away,” said Mullen. “We have a young side, five or six under 18s, but they are learning and I’ve been happy with the commitment and results – they are getting better.

“There’s room for improvement as always, but a higher finish from last season would be that. We have a buoyant squad of around 20 players and it’s good we have competition for places unlike last year when we were struggling.”