Marine manager Neil Young was pleased for his side after they returned to winning ways with a 4-1 win over Kendal Town.
It brought their name back in contention for the Northern Premier League West title as they sit five points behind leaders Workington.
Danny Shaw, Lewis Reilly, Mark Howarth and Ben Hughes scored but their preparations for City of Liverpool haven’t been ideal as Shaw was brought off at half-time with a back injury and will miss the derby clash.
Connor Teale was recalled by parent club Fleetwood Town adding to their defensive woes.
Young insists that with the run now behind them, the focus for Marine must be on moving forward.
“It was a much better performance, we worked hard in the week [on] different shapes, different personnel, overall it was always going to be difficult when you’re in a bit of a blip, need to get out of there as quick as you can and build some confidence, that’s the first block in that process,” he told Off The Park.
“Disappointed with their goal, didn’t think it was a free-kick to them, thought it was our free-kick, I think most people did, to be fair to the lad he’s scored a great goal.
“The games [has] been a bit edgy, in second half for 15-20 minutes, glad to get the third goal. At this moment in time you take your wins and move on.
“The runs not been good obviously, to lose three games at home out of four games at that time and not to be scoring goals that’s always a concern.
“We can’t forget the amazing run that the lads have been on previously, where other clubs have had their blips or lost games earlier in the season we were on a tremendous run, that come to an end.
“We lost a bit of confidence that happens when you’ve got young players but also I keep going back, I don’t think people realise the size of losing virtually a whole back four at this level of football to try and change that, replacing that is so so difficult, replacing one player is difficult, trying to find four is nigh-on-impossible.
“The lads have been doing tremendous to get the results they have with the amount of changes, injuries, suspensions and Covid which we’ve had, so yeah disappointed.
“No good looking back, we’ve got to look forward now you change it, try get the positivity back and win football matches.
“Good result [against Trafford for City of Liverpool] it’s going to be a tough game, they’re a good side, local rivalry.
“Looking forward to it, another test so we’ve got to do our best to try and come out on top with the three points. We’re under no illusions how difficult it’s going to be.
“We’ve done all our analysis on them, we’ll choose our shape, work on it, Alex Doyle – who’s been a big miss for us, we’re hoping will be back for the weekend which would be a big plus for us.
“Joe White came in, a little bit early, we didn’t manage to get his signature in time till the Friday so he now comes in, we’re starting to build up that player/squad again.
“We’re looking for one maybe two more in two areas, we were until Danny [Shaw] got injured. But we’re looking forward to it.”
[Featured image: Karl Dunkerley]
