Striker Martin Gritton was in an honest and reflective mood when we spoke to him after training on Monday. And he was pulling no punches when he said it had very much been a case of three points lost.

On the attack

"The first half, without doubt was some of the best, if not the best football we have played all season. It was really enjoyable. Everyone wanted the ball and I thought our movement was excellent. The gaffer's already said that if we can repeat that sort of level of performance week in, week out then he'll be a happy man," said the former Lincoln City man.

"After being camped out in their half we went in at half time obviously disappointed to not have scored. I think it was certainly the case that one would have brought two, and from there we would have gone on to win the game. But whilst you just tell yourself to go out there and do the same, there's a voice in the back of your head that is saying that the opposition are going to step it up."

"I know if we have been so outplayed we would have thought the same. It's a sense you have got a second chance and psychologically you almost have the upper hand even though you have been on the back foot. But that said I still thought we did enough in the second half to have taken at least a point from the game."

"The disappointing thing was to concede to goals from set-pieces. It's something we've struggled with in recent weeks. Goals like their first are preventable and we need to collectively improve in that area."

"We seem to be treading water at the moment. And that's the frustrating thing and something I suspect is shared by the fans. And whilst we have our eyes focused on the teams above us I think its only human nature to cast the odd glance over your shoulder. A few of the sides down there, like my old team Lincoln, have started to pick up of late so we need to ensure we don't get dragged down there."

"I know the fans are probably worried given the experience of last season but I thought they were up top form on Saturday. It was great to play in front of a bigger crowd and I thought you could see how we responded to that. I also particularly liked some of the chants aimed at a certain Mr Proudlock. He took it well to be fair and responded by pointing at Luke, as if to say what about him. It made me laugh anyone, even if I don't think Luke was too impressed, especially as there isn't an ounce of fat on him."

"On a more serious note we need to start picking up some points and get over that 30 point mark as soon as possible. We just need one good win to kick start our season. Perhaps it is a case of believing a bit more in ourselves. We had enough chances on Saturday from all areas of the team to take the lead. You look at most successful teams and they tend to get goals from throughout the team. That's something we recognise and need to address. But whilst it won't change the result from Saturday, I am sure that we'll get our reward if we continue to play the way we did for most of that game."

"Christmas is a busy time for everyone. And we're of course no different. For me I quite like the games coming thick and fast. But my excuse is I don't have a family at home so the football is a good distraction albeit the weather can be very unpredictable at this time of year. But with three of the next five games at home I am sure we will be fine as the surface here at the Moss Rose is still in great shape."