HARRIERS boss John Eustace is determined to take the positives out of their disappointing defeat against promotion rivals Halifax Town.

Reds lost 2-1 at Aggborough - their first home defeat in 14 games - after finding visiting keeper Sam Johnson in fine form to prevent them from adding to Joe Ironside's early opener.

Harriers had enough chances to win it, most notably Josh McQuilkin's first half penalty miss, but eventually came out second best in the finishing stakes.

Tom Denton levelled for Halifax in the first half before Jordan Sinnott converted Town's own chance from the penalty spot late on.

Eustace was keen to remain positive after a defeat that saw his side lose ground again on leaders AFC Fylde.

He said: "I was pleased and I thought the lads did really well. It was a really good effort and I don't think we deserved to lose the game, but that's football.

"They took their penalty and that's the way it goes.

"I was pleased with the effort and how we played and on another day we could have scored a few more goals.

"There are a lot of positives to take out of it. Obviously I don't want to lose the game but there is a lot of football still to go."

On Johnson's inspired showing between the posts for Halifax, Eustace added: "He's a good goalkeeper and sometimes that happens. Again we could have been more clinical but we move on."