STEVE Lloyd admitted his Barnton side had no chance of recovering from an opening spell in Saturday’s defeat that he described afterwards as ‘horrendous.’

The Villagers were buried after conceding four goals in 19 minutes.

“I can’t accept it was simply a ‘bad day at the office’ – it was worse,” said the manager.

“We’ve only ourselves to blame; nobody won a battle or took responsibility, and that’s what killed us.”

Adam Gilchrist put the hosts ahead in the third minute, a lead they doubled when Matthew Farnworth headed home.

Daniel Regan added a third goal following a counter-attack, then Daniel Regards finished smartly to worsen the visitors’ woes.

Jason McShane replied for Barnton with a flourish of his own, only for Gilchrist to score again before the break to dash any hopes of a comeback.

Barnton improved after the interval, but the damage was done.

Lloyd added: “The lads responded in what was a desperate situation, and showed spirit not to allow Ashton to score again.

“We had a few decent situations of our own in the second half, and we should have made more of them.

“It was a reality check; we’re in a battle for survival, and cannot afford to drop our levels to those we did at the start of the game.”

Barnton, still 15 points clear of the North West Counties League’s Premier Division relegation zone, visit AFC Liverpool on Saturday.

Barnton | Conkie (GK), McKay, Clayton (Richards 68), Meadowcroft, Broadhead, Stafford, Malone, James McShane, Smith (Crofts 62), Jason McShane, Vaughan (Jones 76) Subs not used Houghton, Cross (GK)

Attendance 46