WEYMOUTH boss David Oldfield praised Weymouth for showing “battling qualities” despite a narrow 1-0 defeat at Vanarama National League leaders Stockport.

The Terras were ultimately defeated by Cameron Murray’s own goal in the 23rd minute but had to ride out a torrent of Stockport chances in the first half.

Weymouth improved in the second period but despite good openings for subs Mannie Mampala and Dan Smith could not take a share of the points.

Defeat leaves Weymouth nine points adrift of Aldershot in 20th – the final safe position – with 14 games remaining.

Oldfield told Echosport: “We showed some character and battling qualities, resilience and desire.

READ MORE: Stockport County 1-0 Weymouth - match report

“We had overall a good performance but we need to keep the consistency and find a way of winning.

“We laboured at times against a good Stockport team and we did better on the ball second half.

“I felt we were more competitive and showed more urgency, so overall it was a good performance.

“It’s disappointing to say that and acknowledge that we lost the game. There were many positives.”

On the winning goal, Oldfield felt Weymouth could have stopped the cross from Ryan Rydel.

He said: “Often these things can happen if we don’t close the ball properly or get into shape. It’s come off Cameron’s head and once again he was one of our better players. We need to take it on the chin and go from there.”

Picking up on Weymouth’s first-half struggles, Oldfield added: “We didn’t do enough, I think that’s plainly obvious.

“We had to deal with the start and quality of Stockport. We were still in the game at half-time.

“We needed to do better in the first half but the lads certainly responded and did good things in the second.

“Credit needs to go to the players. They got on the ball better and I felt they without doubt showed more bravery to get on the ball and play with a higher tempo in possession.

“We grew into that half as it went along. We created chances and could’ve certainly got something out of the game. We can feel we’re moving forwards.

“We’re still a work in progress in terms of taking chances and getting bodies into the box.

“The pleasing part was that the players did want to get on the ball, they need to be applauded for that. They played with more purpose and competed hard.”