DESPITE a losing start to the new year, Sedgley Tigers coach Geoff Roberts was pleased with his side's workmanlike display against second-placed Ampthill and District on Saturday.

The Park Lane outfit, who were missing second row Olly Parkinson through injury and number 10 Steve Collins, slipped to seventh place in the table following the 27-8 defeat - their third loss in five league fixtures.

But Roberts was determined to take the positives from a result which he felt flattered the home side.

"It was a tremendous performance from us in a real tough tackling game. There was a lot of solid work in there," he said.

"We really took them to task up front, which is where they beat us at home earlier in the season.

"The defence was really good. If Ampthill did manage to break the line we patched it up quickly.

"I think the result really flattered them.

"We got a few penalties against us which cost us ground but then we scored a try to take it to 20-8 and our tails were up and we were really going for the bonus point.

"In doing that we lost possession and they scored a late try which makes the scoreline look more of a battering, but in truth the scoreline doesn't reflect the game.

"The lads deserve plenty of credit because it was a really, really hard working performance."

The Tigers are still in the mix for third place in National League Two North despite their loss at Ampthill following a surprise defeat for leaders Hull-Ionians at fifth-placed Otley, third-placed Harrogate defeating fourth-placed Caldy and Chester's reverse at Hull.

"It was a strange weekend for results with only Ampthill benefiting and cutting the lead at the top," said Roberts.

"We are still only eight points from third place and we've got to keep going and hopefully claim that spot."

Roberts knows his Tigers side, who have a tough month ahead with games against Birmingham, Preston Grasshoppers and league leaders Hull-Ionians, will have to be on top form if they are to take anything from the battle of the big cats when they travel to Leicester Lions on Saturday.

"The Lions beat Ampthill just before Christmas and several loan signings from Nottingham have transformed their side, so we are expecting a difficult game," he said.

"We will have to play like we did against Ampthill and more to take anything from it."

Joseph Tarrant opened the scoring for Ampthill with a 13th-minute penalty on Saturday.

Alexander Bloisi extended the lead with a try four minutes later, with Tarrant kicking the conversion.

Matt Riley scored a penalty to reduce the Tigers' arrears on 26 minutes as the hosts led 10-3 at half time.

Two tries from Joeseph Bercis extended the promotion hopefuls' lead to 20-3 after the break before Curtis Strong went over for the Tigers' only try of the game.

As the Park Lane outfit powered forward in search of the try that would take them to within seven points of the hosts, Ampthill broke away to secure a 27-8 victory with a try from William Goodge, which was again converted by Tarrant.