City of Liverpool manager Michael Ellison couldn’t be too critical of his side after their midweek defeat to league leaders Workington.
David Symington was instrumental to the table-toppers win scoring an unbelievable left-footed effort before putting the winning goal on a plate.
Before that, the Purps returned to action with an important win over Runcorn Linnets after MJ Monahan scored against his former club before Jack Hazlehurst buried his spot-kick to secure the three points.
It was a mixed week after the win over Ellison’s former side before they slipped to defeat against the title-chasers.
“It was a really good win, really good performance, we was well worth the three points, scored a couple of goals,” he told Off The Park.
“We were very professional, managed the game well when we got the second goal, bar from one save at the end I don’t think Ollie [Martin] has had too much to do. Really pleased to get the three points.
“We had a little plan how we wanted to be in and out of possession and lads went out and put it into practice, I thought we were excellent.
“Played good football but more importantly, played in the right areas. I was a bit worried before the game about the lack of matches we had, in the time we played, they’d played six and we played one, which is ridiculous really.
“I think you could see in the last 10 minutes of the first half we looked a bit leggy so it was important we went in at half-time 1-0. Got the early goal [in the second half] great goal from Jack, a great move.
“Then managed the game well that’s what I’m delighted with, they changed shape went to the back three, two strikes and pushed on but we defended really well and resolute, I was delighted with the performance.
“We’ve beat all the sides above us; Rylands, Bootle, Clitheroe, Runcorn, Mossley we’ve beaten all these sides but we just haven’t managed to find consistency and that’s for different reasons, not having players week in, week out, I’m sure you’ve seen the squads it changes every game.
“It was a great performance on Saturday but we lost a couple on Saturday. We’ve beaten all the good sides and we know on our day we can beat anyone but we just haven’t been able to find that consistency for different reasons.”
With Marine’s recent run, Workington were handed the opportunity to reclaim the top spot and they did just that piecing together a good run with the 2-0 win over City of Liverpool adding to their form.
But for Ellison although he rued missed opportunities, the Workington winger turned the game on its head with his individual performance.
“We knew it was going to be tough, we were under no illusions but it was disappointing. You don’t like losing games, but there’s a way to lose and a way to win but it’s hard to be critical of the lads, there was little moments we could’ve done better.
“We spoke about Symington, the goal changed the game, it’s come out of nowhere, at a time when we were on top, I think it was their first shot and he’s rifled it top corner on his so-called weak foot. It was disappointing not to get a win or at least something out the game but I wasn’t disappointed with the performance.
“We come in at half-time I couldn’t be critical, the only thing I could say is we had opportunities, we had two real, real good chances and if we put one of them away it’s a different game, they have to change a little and have to come out the game up a bit so that’s the only criticism really.
“For all the good areas we got into, when the chances come you’ve got to take them and that’s the needle in you but again it’s really difficult to be critical.
“It’s a tough game, we played them earlier in the season and it was a real tough game. I think we had a couple of lads who we hadn’t seen kick a ball that day, couple of young lads, I think the squads in a healthier position.
“Hopefully, we can get one or two back but we’re going to have to shuffle the pack, I don’t think some of the lads can play three times in a week after the time we’ve had out. We’re looking forward to it, it’ll be a tough game, really nice to go there, good set up, good pitch and if the last game was anything to go by it’ll be close.”
[Featured image: City of Liverpool]
