Boss Paul Hunt lavished praised on his young players after his Swaffham Town side pushed promotion-chasing Whitton United all the way during a 3-1 defeat on Saturday.

Hunt insisted it was “a travesty” his side didn’t get anything from their clash with the Ridgeons First Division high-fliers. However, the Pedlars manager took heart from his depleted outfit’s display, who grabbed a late consolation through Alex Vincent.

Hunt said: “We played really well first half and dominated the second. We need to take the result on the chin I guess as we missed chances and got caught out by three set pieces.

“It was a travesty we lost because we spurned some really good chances which is unusual. Across the pitch to a man we looked solid. We got them really worried which is a testament to our kids. If we had pulled one back at 2-0 I’d have fancied us.

“You want to win games but as a manager when you reflect and you look how we’re doing against sides with experienced players, you can take massive positives. The youngsters will learn from losing to Whitton but I’d rather us learn harsh lessons than play badly, get lucky and win games.”

Swaffham’s fixture list doesn’t get any easier in the next two games, travelling to third-placed March Town United on Saturday before hosting table-topping Godmanchester Rovers on March 10.

Black Stangroome, Scott Voutt and Richard Cornwall will miss both games through injury. Lee Woolmore (county duty) and Aaron Clifford (holiday) are unavailable for the March game but Jack Redhead should return.

Hunt said: “We would have been in amongst it this year I’m sure after our ding-dong battle with Thetford earlier this season when we lost 2-1. But from then it’s on it been injury after injury and it’s been somewhat a tail of woe. However, the young kids have lifted the gloom.

“We can’t wait to play March even though we’re still playing the best sides while we’re struggling with injuries. The young lads have come in and done well. Their ability and commitment is there but they just have lapses of concentration.

“It’s great to pit ourselves against another good side like March who are up there on their own merit. They gave us a harsh lesson at our place. You want to pit yourself against the best teams.”