Bateman not one to dwell on frustration after Moles are held by strugglers

The Moles had won six of their previous eight games going into the weekend, including a 3-2 win over bottom side North Greenford United last Tuesday, but relegation-threatened Leighton left Haywood Way with a point having frustrated the play-off chasers.

It leaves Aylesbury sixth in Division One Central, four points behind AFC Rushden & Diamonds with two games in hand.

Eddie Smith and Brian Haule both had sights of goal against Leighton but neither could convert in a scrappy game.

“It was just one of those frustrating days,” said Bateman. “We haven’t had too many like that but the playing surface was difficult and both sides struggled to come to terms with it.

“Leighton are scrapping for their lives and had a lot of men behind the ball.

“We’ve usually found a way to break that down but we weren’t at our best and they defended like their lives depended upon it.

“We weren’t able to convert one of the few chances we had which was a shame but people just assume you’re going to roll over the bottom sides but that doesn’t work in this league and never has, particularly at this time of year when sides are scrapping for their lives.

“That’s exactly what we saw on Saturday. We played Leighton not so long ago and they didn’t work anywhere near as hard against us as on Saturday.

“We also saw it last Tuesday when we managed to go to Greenford and win with a threadbare side.

“It remains to be seen whether or not we live to rue those points dropped when others around us also dropped points or maybe you look at it and take it as a point gained but it doesn’t feel like that at the moment.”

Bateman admitted the result was ‘disappointing’ but with three games to come in six days, including Tuesday’s derby against Aylesbury United, he’s already looking forward.

He added: “We can’t dwell on that for too long because we’ve won six of our last eight games so we’ve got to remain positive and there’s always another game around the corner.

“There are four games this week which could have a big bearing on our play-off ambitions and in the first one we’ve dropped points.

“We’ve got the added scenario on Tuesday with it being our local rivals as everyone gets a bit more excited off the pitch than normal.

“We’ve just go to play like we can and get a result and move on because there’s another two coming up and we’re in a busy period which gives us a good opportunity.

“If we can continue our success from the past month then we’ll be better for it.”