MARK Jones believes a defeat in midweek has not put more pressure on 1874 Northwich to beat Billingham Synthonia in the FA Vase on Saturday.

A 3-1 reverse at home to Congleton saw Runcorn Town replace Ian Street’s side at the top of the North West Counties League’s Premier Division.

That alone will be enough motivation to return to winning ways this weekend, according to the midfielder.

He said: “People might say we ought to concentrate on the league or make the FA Vase a priority, but as players we don’t look at it like that.

“There hadn’t been much talk in the dressing room about the FA Vase before Tuesday, because we were thinking about picking up points against Congleton.

“This is a group with a winning mentality, and after losing that game we want to get back on another run as quickly as possible.

“But we’ll feel the same about playing Billingham as we do when we play Blackpool in the next round of the league cup.

“I think that’s the right way to be, and how I’ve always approached things as a player.

“I’ve not played in the FA Vase previously, but I have played against sides from the north east in other competitions.

“They often fit a certain profile; they’re tough guys, will be at it and wanting to be in our faces.

“Billingham are having a great season, and I expect them to be confident.”

He told the Guardian that 1874 can learn lessons from Tuesday’s loss to the Bears.

However he insisted too the result be put in a wider contest; in the previous 14 matches in all competitions, they had lost only once.

“We started brightly, and had chances to take the lead,” he said.

“Congleton battled hard though, and they were clinical. We weren’t.

“I think we’re at our best when we play at a higher tempo, because when our game flows then we can hurt teams.

“We’ve found it harder to break teams down when the game has been slower and they’ve not wanted to attack.

“On other days we’ve taken the opportunities we’ve created.

“As a player, you can always come away from a game and look at things you might have done differently, or better.

“I don’t think we’ve been as good as we can be yet, but I look at that as a positive thing – it means there’s more to come from us.”