WILTSHIRE manager Mal Gingell was in bullish mood about the future of county football as a retaken penalty condemned his side to a narrow defeat on Tuesday night.

Wiltshire have struggled to field a side in their first season back in the South West Counties Championship but Gingell believes Tuesday night was a turning point.

In his first game in charge since the resignation of Mark Collier, Gingell was able to select a full squad and had the luxury of even leaving one player out of the squad completely.

Playing against a Devon side who had already sealed the South West Championship, Gingell was upbeat about his sides performance.

He said: "It was not too bad at all. Devon were the better side on the night but we went there with a young side and I think the future looks brighter for us.

"We gave them a good game and a lot of players came out of the game with the their heads held high.

"Melksham defender Steven Casey played very well as did Calne's Kevin Banks in midfield. Jamie Cheeseman, also of Melksham, was exceptional in defence."

Devon took an early lead but Wiltshire fought back and equalised through a well-taken Kevin Banks penalty.

The home side's winner from the penalty spot was controversial as the referee ordered a re-take after Bath City's Justin Shuttleworth had saved the first kick.

"We were a bit unlucky in the end," said Gingell. "Our keeper made a good save but then for some reason the kick had to be taken again. But the best thing was we went down there with a full squad. I have always said it would take a year to sort out.

"But the main thing is we are getting it together. The lads enjoyed and we will get better. This was definitely a step in the right direction."

Their next South West Counties Championship match is against Gloucestershire at Almondsbury on March 24 before they entertain the Royal Navy at Salisbury four days later.