Arran Duke is looking on the bright side – despite his Wisbech St Mary men slipping to defeat last weekend.

The villagers were beaten 3-1 at Beechings Close by Diss Town on Saturday, meaning they have just one win in their last five, but boss Duke is keeping positive and says his side should be proud of their achievements this season.

“We have a very good group together, we just need to find some consistency,” he said.

“The lads are exceeding all expectations in terms of how we’re doing this season.

“We’re in two cup quarter-finals, a semi-final and we sit in mid-table and well in reach of the sides above us.

“Saturday was a day to forget for us; we were well beaten by Diss who worked harder than us, played better football and wanted it far more than us.

“Questions were asked at the end of the game and I’m expecting a reaction on Saturday.”

St Mary were due to be in Cambs Invitation Cup again against Fulbourn Institute last night (15) but received a bye into the last four after the Cambridge side failed to submit a side, meaning Duke has now switched his attentions towards Saturday’s league contest with Dereham Town Reserves (3pm).

The Norfolk outfit sit rock bottom of the league standings having not won a game all season, and Duke expects to get back to winning ways.

“It’s important we learn from games like last Saturday,” he said.

“We’ll continue to improve as a side and we’ll go to Dereham with the lads knowing what’s expected of them.

“I’ve every faith that they will put in a much-improved performance.”