Cleator Moor Celtic slipped to a second successive defeat in the North West Counties League last night.
But manager Brian Dawson was more encouraged with the performance in the 4-2 home defeat by Euxton Villa.
They weren’t helped by two own goals, a red card and conceding two late goals.
Dawson said: “The lads put in a much improved performance from Saturday.
“We tweaked a few things prior to the game and started brightly, racing into a two-goal lead both scored by Kieran Maguire.
“Unfortunately our defensive frailties raised their head again and we found ourselves going in at the break level at 2-2.
“Directly after half-time Callum Birdsall was shown a straight red which turned the game.
“The lads dug deep, though, and still looked dangerous going forward with chances to get our noses back in front.
“We couldn’t take them unfortunately and they scored two late goals which made the final scoreline flatter than I think.
“A red card and two own goals shows we’re just not getting the rub of the green at the moment.
“We’ve got ten days now before we can put things right with a visit from Daisy Hill.”
