New Wisbech St Mary manager Paul Hunt is adamant his team will continue to improve after he witnessed a hard-fought display against promotion challengers.

Hunt was pleased with what he saw from the Saints in their 3-2 defeat to Huntingdon Town at the Nissan Direct Leasing Stadium today (Saturday).

Matt Harris-Hercules struck for the hosts before substitute Adam Key gave Saints hope at 3-2 in stoppage time.

“I thought to put the performance in like they did and how hard they grafted to a man was outstanding,” said Hunt.

“You’re never going to perfect straight away what you’ve done in one training session, so I thought they took it on well.”

The ex-Swaffham Town boss, who took over from Stuart Beckett last Sunday, fielded four 16-year-olds in Tyler Key, Harvey Pepper, Ben Smith and Ashton Papworth.

The trio performed well for Saints, who managed to compete with their opponents throughout.

“To have them in against skilful, experienced players Huntingdon have I thought was a real feat for them,” Hunt said.

“The more organised and structured we are, the harder we will be to beat and once we’ve got that as a starting block, we can build from there.”

Hunt will aim for his first victory and Saints’ first league win since October last year at home to Needham Market Reserves on Saturday, 3pm.

The experienced coach hinted new signings could arrive, but knows his latest project won’t be a quick fix.

“I’m not going to make wholesale changes; I want to add where we need to and keep the quality we’ve got,” Hunt added.

“They will improve, there’s no two ways about it.

“It isn’t a quick fix, but I know we will get better, compete and look to be a strong team in this league.”

*Wisbech Town earned a 0-0 draw at Bedworth United in the Northern Premier League Division One Midlands.

In the Eastern Counties League, March Town’s Premier Division clash at Thetford Town ended goalless.

Goals from Ryan Lennon and Gary Smith gave FC Parson Drove a 2-0 win over Peterborough North End in First Division North, while Whittlesey Athletic’s unbeaten run ended with a 4-0 defeat at Harleston Town.

This Saturday, Wisbech host Sutton Coldfield Town as March, who drew 1-1 at Newmarket Town on Tuesday, welcome Brantham Athletic.

Whittlesey face Wolverhampton Casuals in an FA Vase first round proper tie at Feldale, while Drove are next in action against Great Yarmouth Town on October 30.

Wisbech St Mary: Tyler Key; Harvey Pepper, Pawel Kaluzny (sub Ashton Papworth, 71'), Jordan Goult, Ben Smith, Kaine Baker, Andy Willmott (sub Connor Hughes, 80'), Tyrese Baker (sub Adam Key, 84'), Matt Harris-Hercules, Charlie Rudland, Evander Jose.

Cautions: Wisbech St Mary - K.Baker (foul).

Referee: Christopher Dunk.