Brady Stone is urging his Ely City players not to dwell on their most recent defeat.

The Robins’ six-game unbeaten run was brought to a halt by Hadleigh United, who upset the form book to snatch a 2-1 win at the Unwin Ground last Saturday.

Dan Jeffrey had put Ely in front in the first half but the Suffolk side roared back to secure only their fourth away win this term.

Defeat for Ely has not influenced their league position – they still sit in 12th in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division standings – and Stone insists that although he is disappointed by his side’s defeat, he is still impressed with their recent form and attitude.

“It was a disappointing defeat because we got out-fought and they wanted it more than us,” he said.

“We usually come out fighting, working hard and on the front foot but we couldn’t get going.

“It’s always disappointing to lose a game but we won’t dwell on it.

“If you’d have offered me 12th place two months ago I’d have definitely taken it. The players have been fantastic since Christmas and I can’t fault them.”

Ely will hope to get back to winning ways this weekend, but face a tricky trip to Thetford Town who have only been beaten four times at their Mundford Road base.

The Brecklanders have only experienced defeat once in their last six league games and Stone is under no illusions as to the challenge that his men face on Saturday afternoon.

“Thetford are flying,” he said. “It’s always a difficult place to go and it’s the start of a difficult week for us.

“We play Swaffham at home on the Tuesday after and although they’re at the bottom they beat us earlier in the season so we know what they can do.”

That game against the division’s bottom side is one of five home games that Ely have before the season’s conclusion on April 29, and Stone is hopeful that the Robins can continue their mostly impressive form at the Unwin in the final two months of their campaign.

“We’ve only got two more away games after this weekend so it’s important that we use our home advantage,” he said.

“We’ve been very good at home this season – last weekend was a blip – so it’s important that we keep going and finish the season in a positive way.”