TIVIDALE manager Ian Long thinks his team's excellent performance in defeat against Newcastle Town demonstrates just how far they have progressed,

Tivi lost the game 2-1 after conceding a late break away goal which sent their opponents to the top of the table.

A header from defender Richard Huckfield had levelled for the visitors just after half time.

However, the boss at The Beeches is backing his players to bounce back from the disappointment and was especially keen to take the positives from their second half showing.

He said: "It was very encouraging to go to the team that is now top of the league and hold our own against them.

"Our tactics were slightly wrong to start with and we were outnumbered in midfield and conceded a lot of possession.

"Once we changed our shape in the second half we were on top for long spells and I think we did enough to earn a draw.

"I'd like to think we can now push on into top half of the table, especially with the games in hand we have."

Tividale will play their first home game since New Year's Day when they take on Romulus this Saturday. They will then travel to fourth-placed Spalding United a week later.

"It is important we beat Romulus because Spalding will be tough," added Long.

"The players were very disappointed by the Newcastle result and will be keen to put that right. Even though we lost, it shows how far we have come."

Tivi were without attacker Leigh Downing for the Newcastle game and former stopper Jack Hayfield had to be drafted in from Tipton due the absence of both goalkeepers.

However, all are set to return this weekend as well as midfielder Mitch Botfield.

Meanwhile, the club have announced plans to improve The Beeches before the end of the season after getting seats from the London Aquatics Centre following the 2012 Olympic Games.

Club secretary Leon Murray confirmed that 190 seats will be added to the New Birmingham Road side of the ground and a new standing area is planned for the Birch Terrace area ahead of the start of the 2015/16 campaign.

He said “When it became apparent that temporary seating from the London Aquatics Centre would be available following the 2012 Games, we made immediate contact with them.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to the staff at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for their co-operation and these seats are a massive step in the right direction for us as we aim to improve our facilities.”