Upbeat King's Lynn Town boss Gary Setchell insisted there were plenty of positives to take from his side's display at Spalding United on Saturday - even though they lost 3-2.

The Linnets were ahead with 10 minutes to go before two late Tulips goals inflicted their fourth defeat of pre-season. However, while admitting he was disappointed with the nature of the goals his outfit conceded, Setchell said he was pleased with his charges' display - especially in the second half.

He said: 'Spalding bossed the first half. I swapped it around at half-time and went with three in midfield and three up top and I think we absolutely dominated the game second half, apart from giving two late goals away.

'We worked hard, got two good goals and I know they didn't score from their penalty (while the game was at 2-1) but the decision changed the game. Pedro (Alex Street) saved it, our players switched off because they were celebrating the save, they put the ball in the box and it was 2-2.

'If it had been a league game I'd have been sent off after 60 minutes. The officials were diabolical. But I don't moan about referees in league games so I'm certainly not going to moan about them too much for a pre-season friendly.

'I think a draw would have been a fair result but it was a great training session for both teams.'

Midfielder Dan Quigley scored his first goal in Lynn colours while striker Russell Dunkley bagged his second goal in as many starts for the Linnets.

The display of the latter certainly impressed Setchell as the frontman won countless flick-ons against big-spending Spalding's impressive back-line.

The Lynn boss said: 'Dunkley looks an absolute talisman for us already. There were a lot of positives for us - even though the three goals we conceded were very negative.

'The boys in midfield got on top of the game which was good as first half we were a little bit flat. We've had a very long pre-season. But, we're definitely going in the right direction - forget the scoreline.

'We've got another game tomorrow, and one more at the weekend, and we're slowly preparing for the season. All my players are coming to the boil nicely and we'll be fine.'

Midfielder Rob Hughes and striker Jason Turner are set to return tomorrow as Step Four Lynn welcome Histon to The Walks for their ninth friendly of the summer (7.45pm kick-off).

Defender Stuart Wall looks likely to make his comeback from a knee injury at Soham Town Rangers in Lynn's final pre-season game on Saturday (3pm kick-off).