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“We scored a couple of good tries and had chances to win it at the end.

“We were maybe not quite aggressive enough in defence at times in the first half, and let Taunton play too much.

“When you do that they will punish you which they did.

“It was a good fighting performance but tinged with disappointment because we lost. We were disappointed not to come away with a win which we had targeted.

“I think we’re capable of beating anyone and that’s not being arrogant, I don’t think we need to fear any team as long as we can get most of the squad out.”

Canterbury’s preparations for the trip were far from ideal with high winds buckling the door of their coach en route meaning they had to wait at a service station for a replacement vehicle.

That led to a delayed kick-off and a hurried warm-up but Pratt refused to use that as an excuse.

He added: “Yes there was a bit of drama on the way but these things happen. We got by doing a few warm-ups in the service station car park which raised a few eyebrows.”

Canterbury remain fourth and have a good opportunity to consolidate their position with successive home games, against Bury St Edmunds and Worthing.

Seventh-placed Bury are first up this Saturday (3pm) and will be no pushovers having put together a four-match winning run earlier in the season.

Canterbury’s last home game – an 18-16 win over Redruth – was watched by a bumper crowd and Pratt is keen to maintain the feelgood factor at the Marine Travel Ground.

He said: “Taunton was a good performance and hopefully we’ve still got some momentum but we’ve got to keep in mind that it was a defeat and we want to get back to winning ways. Bury are a good side so we’ll certainly be taking them seriously.”

Pratt reported no fresh injuries from the Taunton trip but has suffered a double blow with the loss of forward pair George Micans and Sam Rogers.

Both men have similar knee issues and Pratt fears he won’t see either again this season.

He added: “It’s very disappointing both for them, as individuals and for the team.”

‘We were disappointed . . . We’re capable of beating anyone’