Rushall Olympic F.C.

The experienced defender had hoped to help close the gap on leaders North Ferriby United with victory at the Look Local Stadium, but was in the end left to rue a disappointing night against an impressive Steels side.

“It was a huge disappoinment really, I thought Stocksbridge were the better team,” Beckett admitted. “You have got to give credit to them. They worked hard, closed us down and scored some good goals so we have just got to take it on the chin and move on. We had a ten minute period in the first half where we could have scored but if I'm honest the better team won.

“It is a difficult place to come and get a win but we didn’t play to our best. It`s a shame because the lads have been consistent so far this campaign and the table tells you that. We have been around the top four for the majority of the season. It`s a pleasing start, but we have got to forgot about Tuesday and we move on.

What the Pics' hadn’t planned for though, was Stocksbridge's quick precise counter attacking football throughout the second half. And as Beckett admits, it was a killer blow.

“We started okay. Obviously their goal knocked the stuffing out of us a little bit but we were still in the game at 1-0 and thought we were going to create chances. We weren’t too disheartened at half-time and we felt that we could get back into the game.

Beckett believes the long trip to Blyth on Saturday could rejuvenate his team-mates following the disappointing result and the frustrating failure to score against Stocksbridge.

“The lads are hopeful we can get back to scoring ways on Saturday. It's crucial now that the lads have to get back to playing how we were, which we can do. We have to start this Saturday. It`s a difficult game but we are more than capable of getting a result up there. If we stick together then we can achieve anything and get a positive result.

The defeat is Olympic’s first since mid-September and leaves the Pic's one point off second place, with Neil Kitching’s side facing Blyth Spartans this coming Saturday..

"Kitch is a brilliant manager, the backroom staff are fantastic as well with Nick Amos, Coops and the rest of the coaching staff. In general, the lads have respect for the gaffer and his team, they have done a fantastic job since Kitch arrived here.

"The club's aim is to get into the play offs at least and I think we are on course for that. We have shown that we can compete against the big teams in this division but we have got to be a bit more consistent home and away. I'm positive the club will be up there at the end of the season.