The gaffer said he was "proud" of his AFC side after the East Division game against Pontefract which saw the visitors nick a 1-0 win despite a spirited Bulls performance.
Jake Picton's first-half header was one of very few chances for Collieries but was enough to win them all three points, as chances for the Bulls went begging.
"It was end-to-end with both teams looking to win the game," Mark Ward said after the game, "I'm proud of the lads today because they gave me what I was asking them to.
"It was just a lapse in concentration, and I suppose that's why Ponty and the teams at the top are where they are - they get one chance and they take it.
"It's the story of the season; when we play really well, we've not stuck the ball in the net and we've been punished, and when we play poorly we get put to the sword.
"I really think the lads have done enough today to pick the points up, so we've got to dust ourselves down now and go again."
With key chances going amiss for Cameron Dear with his wayward lob and Jordan Annable with his header skimming the crossbar late on, the Bulls boss was left wondering what was needed to put the chances away: "I still don't think the lads believe enough in themselves.
"It's been a long old season but it's tough."
Ward remained positive, however, as he praised his side for limiting one of the league's best sides.
"What we've been doing is a massive positive. We've lost three in a row now and that puts pressure on the team - I'm frustrated and you want to win games but after how the lads performed today, I am positive because I've seen what we can do."
Fans can watch the full post-match interview on Bulls TV.