Boss Gary Ablett insists Stockport can take plenty of positives from their 3-1 home defeat to Norwich.

Ablett was hugely disappointed with the outcome after his side matched the Canaries for long periods, although they did not trouble visiting goalkeeper Fraser Forster nearly enough.

"On the balance of play I thought we deserved more, but we are giving too many soft goals away," Ablett said. "There's plenty of positives to take though. For the large part I thought our tactical plan worked, so I've no complaints.

"Some of our football was good, but we didn't work their goalkeeper quite as much as we could have. I'm bitterly disappointed with the result of course, but overall our performance was excellent."

Ablett also praised Northern Ireland international striker Thompson, whose 81st-minute strike - as he diverted home a Carl Baker shot - was his first since last November.

"Hopefully that could be the goal that gets Peter going now," Ablett added. "It's gone in off his backside, but it's been a while so he won't mind that. Hopefully that will be the first of a few now. He'll keep persevering, Peter works so hard he deserves more goals."