The Gingerbreads conceded twice due to silly errors against Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday, but put up a sterling defensive performance to earn a point against last season's league champions in midweek.

Wilkinson said: "I was disappointed in the manner of Saturday's defeat, and with the strangeness of the nature of the goals. I thought we looked a little nervous.

"On Tuesday, we stood up for ourselves. I am thrilled that we showed what we have got.

"Belief is what we have got to find and we have got to pass the ball better. But I definitely see progress. It shows what can be done if we apply ourselves."

Wilkinson heaped praise on Ben Dixon, who he said he thought was Town's man of the match on Saturday, and said Glen Atkinson had given a good account of himself against the Steels.

Diminutive eighteen-year-old substitute Jamie Gyoury-Hales scored Grantham's only goal of the season so far.

Wilkinson said: "Jamie generally hits the target and knows how to finish. He is definitely one for the future."

He said he admired the way Billy Stubbs had redeemed himself by keeping Retford's dangerous Mick Godber under control.

Wilkinson said Danny Hargreaves had settled in well and thought skipper Terry Fleming had showed a marked improvement.

He remarked on the excellent atmosphere in the dressing after Tuesday's game and was hopeful that things would continue to improve.

He said: "We've had some frustrations but we are coping. It is a learning curve for us all.

"The feeling is that we need someone tall up front, and we are still looking, but Sean Cann and Jason Turner won a lot of headers on Tuesday night."

Adam Sturgess played in a reserves match on Tuesday night and is expected to be fully fit in around 10 days time. Wilkinson said Ben Garrick should be match fit around the same time.