Co-boss Jimmy Brattan is expecting the right response after Huntingdon Town suffered a first United Counties League Division One defeat of the season.

Town were beaten 2-1 at Oakham United last Saturday in a match Brattan was quick to admit will not live long in the memory.

Chris Down gave them an early lead when netting direct from a corner, but Huntingdon conceded twice in the second period before Antonio Dello Russo saw a leveller ruled out for offside.

Dello Russo struck after a Liam Rodden shot ricocheted into his path, but a raised flag quickly cut short Town’s celebrations as they were beaten by a previously win-less Oakham side under new management.

“We didn’t deserve anything from the game in all honesty,” admitted Brattan, who is in charge with Ryan Hunnings.

“It wasn’t a pretty spectacle to watch and we weren’t anywhere near our best.

“We couldn’t string passes together or build any attacks. It was a bad day at the office.

“We scored early on following a bright start, but we went flat and failed to build on it.

“I’d be much happier if an opposition team were to score a good goal against us as virtually every one we have conceded so far this season has been given away by an error.”

Brattan hopes for much better from Huntingdon when they host a Buckingham side, who have won their opening two Division One games, at Jubilee Park this Saturday.

“It’s a test for the lads and we’ll find our what sort of characters we have in the side from the performance we produce against Buckingham,” added Brattan.

“They were disappointed in themselves individually and as a team at Oakham, and I’m confident they will respond all the guns blazing.”

Teenage goalkeeper Tom Smith made his Huntingdon debut at Oakham following the departure of Andrew Hewitt due to work commitments. Smith is dual-registered with St Ives Town.

Huntingdon hope to include defensive signing Matt Holland this Saturday. He was unavailable for the Oakham trip.

Town’s trip to Burton Park Wanderers tomorrow night (Tuesday) has been postponed due to issues with the home side’s floodlights.