BASINGSTOKE Town boss was able to take plenty of positives from his side’s 1-1 draw on Boxing Day at Frome Town.

Brown said: “It was always going to a be a difficult when you start your team talk with the words we are not going to be able to play football today due to their pitch.

“But the guys all put in a shift and I think we deserved something out of the game and they are flying at the moment, so it was definitely a step forward.”

Next for the Dragons is a home game against visiting Dorchester Town at the Ark Cancer Charity Stadium on Monday January 2 (3pm).

The Dorset visitors are 15th in the Southern League Premier Division one place above Basingstoke on goal difference and will arrive in Hampshire looking to extend a five game unbeaten run.

Dorchester like Basingstoke drew 1-1 on Boxing Day, which for Dragons snapped their four game losing streak in the league.

These sides have already met this season in an FA Trophy game at the Greene King Community Stadium, which saw the visitors win 3-0 thanks to goals from Nana Owusu, an Aaron Redford penalty and Sam Deadfield.

Looking ahead to the game Basingstoke boss Brown said: “We had an awful December, so I really hope January is better. We won the first game 3-0, but the game was a lot tighter and I am sure will be looking to avenge this so I am expecting a tough game.”

Striker Romone Rose and midfield general Charlie Kennedy are set to return to the squad for the game, while injured pair Dan Collier and Ashleigh Antwell are expected back this month.

Brown is also hoping this month will also see some more additions to his squad, with the addition of at least a new striker.