"WE DOMINATED for the first ten minutes at Stockbridge then lost our way. After they scored they could easily have got a second and if we had gone in to the interval two goals down it would have been difficult to get back in.

"Kenny Mayers' strike just before half-time put a different complexion on the game and we played much better in the second half.

"Left-back Paul McMenemy, who has been doing a good job, is struggling after picking up a knee ligament injury on Saturday and he could be out for up to four weeks, but Russ McKenna came in for 70 minutes and, to be fair, was one of our best players.

"Now we have two cup matches and we would like to do well in both as the financial rewards for winning increase with each round. First up is a long trip to Colwyn Bay in the FA Trophy.

"Colwyn have not started the season well, but they will be difficult to beat at home and midfielder Ricky Mercer is under a one match suspension, but if we get through the draw for the next round could bring exciting possibilities as I believe the Conference sides like Carlisle and Morecambe come in.

"Tuesday will see my old foe Tony Greenwood bring his Fleetwood Town side to Kendal in the Marsden Cup. They are flying in the North West Counties League and are being tipped as favourites to win it. It should be a cracking game.

"Our win on Saturday boosted us up the league and, fortunately, most of the teams below us are also involved in cup matches this week, so we should not be overtaken.

"Apart from the injury to McMenemy the rest of the squad are fit and ready, although Stuart Clitheroe and James Sheppard are out on loan to Lancashire clubs."