JOINT manager Craig Payton believes youthful Bewdley are close to being a top three side next season in the West Midlands League Premier Division, as long as they learn the lessons of this campaign.

Payton and fellow boss Bryan Lacey watched as Town were edged out 2-1 by third-placed Gornal on Saturday.

Despite the loss, Payton saw encouraging signs for the 2011-12 campaign.

He said: “We’ve lost 2-1 to Gornal twice this season but there were wasn’t much in it.

“We need to learn to concentrate for a full 90 minutes.

“This is a young team which has a great spirit and they’re learning all the time.”

Against Gornal, Bewdley slipped 2-0 behind before Craig Webb grabbed a consolation goal.

Town bounced back on Tuesday night when they beat Shifnal 1-0 at home, with Ollie Smith popping up to score mid-way through the second half.

Bewdley take on Bustleholme at home in the league on Saturday (3pm kick-off), before going to Goodrich on Tuesday night (7.45pm kick-off).

Captain Steve Holt (foot) and Richard Softley (groin) are Bewdley’s only injury concerns.