MATT Doughty revealed how even opposition manager Billy Heath felt Altrincham had been short-changed after they slipped to an unlucky 1-0 defeat to FC Halifax Town at The J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday.

A late deflected goal settled the outcome, but only after Halifax's man-of-the-match Sam Johnson saved a first-half Jake Moult penalty and followed up with a brilliant stop from James Lawrie soon after.

"As Billy came off at the end, he told me we really didn't deserve that," said Alty boss Doughty, whose side visit Darlington on Saturday.

"To a man, the players put a shift in and matched or bettered Halifax's, but football can be cruel at times.

"It's a tough one to take, it really is, because we deserved better.

"But I've told them if they show that level of commitment, passion and desire, they'll win more than they lose in the remaining 14 games.

"With Tom Hannigan injured, I put Jake Moult back there and Kyle Brownhill into a defensive midfield role and both were brilliant.

"I missed one or two pens in my time, so I'm not going to have a go at Jake about that, while I think we've found a new position for Kyle.

"He was playing left wing-back at Hyde, and we signed him as cover for the left, but this central role suits him.

"He's defensive-minded, decent in the air and can turn with the ball, so it's a good fit.

"Their keeper was man-of-the-match for the penalty save and the one from James Lawrie, so that tells you something.

"If we had gone in 2-0 up at half-time, we would have gone on to take the points, but it's like we can't buy a win at the moment.

"It's so disappointing seeing all that effort go unrewarded, but anyone can tell there is progression on the pitch and our performances are getting better.

"If we can turn that into a win, attitudes will change, and we will have something to build on."