Market Drayton Town boss proud despite Boxing Day defeat at high-flyers
Dan Dawson could not hide his pride at Market Drayton Town's performance despite the Boxing Day defeat at high-flying Eccleshall.
The Gingerbread Men, who had previously lost just once in eight league games, gave a strong account of themselves but were undone by two second-half goals in neighbouring Staffordshire.
Former Town favourite Nicky Parker made the difference for second-placed Eccleshall with a fine solo goal to break the deadlock just before the hour mark. Veteran frontman Danny Glover added a late second in the closing stages.
Dawson's side return to Greenfields on Saturday for the visit of fifth-placed Sandbach in North West Counties First Division South and the Town boss feels in decent spirits despite the defeat.
"We had two centre-halves missing so had to rejig things a little bit but we were brilliant," Dawson said. "We should've had a penalty.
"In the second half we were brilliant. We had Harry Minshall brought down when through on goal with nothing given and 90 seconds later Nicky Parker produced a little bit of magic. It was the difference on the day.
"We played really well and deserved a point from the game. It shows how far we've come, away from home against second who haven't lost at home all season and we gave them a real run for their money.
"So I'm really proud of the lads from that aspect."
Drayton will fancy putting a spanner in Sandbach's play-off tilt at Greenfields on Saturday after the visitors edged a 1-0 Boxing Day success over lowly Alsager.
Dawson's men go on their travels on Saturday week (January 10) with a trip to Birkenhead and Cammell Laird, who sit just beneath on goal difference. Mid-table Town are currently 'best of the rest' in 12th in First Division South, with just a point separating themselves and 15th but a gap of six points up to Allscott Heath above them.
