SCOTT Lacey was pleased with his side s showing despite a 4-3 defeat to Enfield Town on Tuesday. The Magpies looked set for a well deserved draw thanks to goals from Jake Parratt and two from Ian Cooper but Enfield capitalised on Heath only having 10 play

SCOTT Lacey was pleased with his side's showing despite a 4-3 defeat to Enfield Town on Tuesday.

The Magpies looked set for a well deserved draw thanks to goals from Jake Parratt and two from Ian Cooper but Enfield capitalised on Heath only having 10 players on the pitch to hit the winner in the dying minutes.

Despite the result Lacey was encouraged by what he saw.

"On Tuesday we played really well and were 2-0 up in the first 30 minutes. It was 3-3 up until the last minute and I would say our centre half going off and having to finish the game with 10 men cost us.

"We deserved a draw. We looked fit and sharp but Enfield had more players and could make more changes and their fitness told."

Despite only playing a few games since joining the club Cooper is living up to his reputation as a goalscorer with another two against Enfield and even turned provider for the Magpies opener.

"Ian Cooper chased down a lost cause squared it to Jake Parratt who scored. We then got a penalty which Cooper slotted away. Enfield then went 3-2 up but Cooper chased down another lost cause, cut inside, wouldn't give the ball up and scored," added Lacey.

Lacey was full of praise for defender Barry Dowling and striker Phil Jackman with the Heath supremo comparing his forward to a well-known Chelsea star.

"Barry Dowling at centre half was fantastic," said Lacey. "Phil Jackman is a different player this year. He's come of age - he's a poor man's Didier Drogba."

The Magpies boss believes that the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division will be extremely competitive this year but is pleased with his side's preparations for their season opener against Brimsdown Rovers.

"There are some strong sides in this league this year. There are at least two sides who should be playing a league above.

"Everything is going to plan so far. We have got a good game with Watford's academy down at the club on Saturday at 3pm which will be a good test for us.