Wealdstone boss David Noble admitted Monday’s gut-wrenching 1-0 loss to Solihull Moors was ‘hard to take’ as his side found themselves plunged deeper into National League relegation trouble.

A last-gasp strike from Jamey Osborne gave the play-off-chasing Moors the three points in a contest largely dominated by Noble’s side at Grosvenor Vale.

“I think that’s what makes it harder to take," said Noble, having also seen his side beaten 1-0 at already relegated basement boys Oxford City on Good Friday.

"As a whole, from my time here, that could be our best performance of the season without getting what we deserved.

“It feels that way at the minute. Nothing seems to be breaking for us, but it will turn if you keep putting performances like that in. It will swing around.”

On the performance itself, Noble looked to the positives and praised his players for the desire and commitment they showed throughout the match.

“Bar the 15 minutes towards the end of the first half, and without scoring, it’s almost a complete performance from the boys,” said an exasperated Noble.

“On the ball, off the ball, sticking to the structure and the game plan - we were really good today without getting the goals, which is the most important bit.

“There were five or six balls that went over the stand. Their keeper has made a couple of good saves, and for other chances, we’ve not picked the right option.

"I think it’s more of a worry if you’re not getting the chances. The boys are frustrated, of course, their heads are down in there just because of the manner of it.

"But when you perform like that, you know as a player that it's been a really good performance and it’s a tough one to take.”

Despite another damaging loss, the Stones players will take a lot from their performance on the day, which was echoed by Noble.

“They should take confidence from the performance. That’s the message I’ve put into them. If they play like that, we’ll be alright,” he said.

“That’s the task. Keeping people at the same level as they were today. As I say, we haven’t gotten the result, but I was quite pleased with quite a bit today.”

Noble’s men, one point above the relegation zone but with three games in hand, face Boreham Wood at Meadow Park on Saturday in a crucial game in the fight to stay in the National League, with their opponents also struggling to preserve their status.

The Stones then play three consecutive home games, giving them a chance in front of their own to save their season and beat the dreaded drop.