Spartans head coach Dean Gibson admitted he was disappointed with the outcome of this table-topping clash -- but took several positives from the performance.

After conceding an early score Spartans played some great football, but on four occasions they failed to convert position into points.

Taking just two of those chances would have been enough to end the Cats unbeaten run and go joint top of Division Two south east at this halfway stage in the campaign.

But Gibson remains confident his side can learn from their setback.

"We have shown we can mix it with the best and we have nothing to fear from them," he said. "We will play them again, we are looking forward to the challenge and I am confident we can take the game back.

"At times the way we moved the ball around was superb but we have to learn to take our opportunities. That's the difference between winning and losing games."

Spartans did manage two touchdowns on the day, with John Stott running in from 39 yards and Paul Simpson completing a 40-yard scoring dash.

But now the team, with almost a month until their next game -- again Southend Sabres -- is looking to enhance a cutting edge as they bid for a place in the end-of-season play-offs.

"We are having a rest week then two sessions of quality training time," added Gibson.

Published Thursday, May 29, 2003

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