BARNTON boss Steve Lloyd admitted West Didsbury & Chorlton had given his players a ‘kick up the backside’ on their return to action on Saturday.

The visitors played for an hour with 10 men following midfielder Anthony Potts’ first-half dismissal, but the Villagers – playing for the first time in three weeks – could not take advantage.

“We were naïve after they had a player sent off,” said Lloyd.

“We expected something to happen, and didn’t take responsibility. Too many players relied on others to do something.

“Maybe it was a kick up the backside we needed.”

His side is 14 points clear of the relegation zone in the North West Counties League’s top-flight with nine games left.

Their next one is at home to 1874 Northwich.

Matthew Kay and Nic Evangelinos combined to tee up Saul Henderson for an opening goal on seven minutes, the striker flicking in off an upright.

Goalkeeper Matthew Conkie prevented the visitors from doubling their lead when he saved smartly to deny Evangelinos, while at the other end Jack McKay ought to have done better with a header from a set-piece.

Potts was then sent off after being booked a second time.

The hosts struggled to assume control, although they had a goal ruled out for offside after the interval when James McShane found the net.

Henderson turned provider for Evangelinos to make it 2-0 after 67 minutes, and West made the points safe shortly afterwards.

Henderson pinched the ball from Conkie before finding Kay.

He picked out Scott Mason, who squared for Evangelinos to score.

Lloyd added: “We weren’t good enough, and we must react.

“We’re not safe, so it’s important to pick ourselves up.”

Barnton | Conkie (GK), Richards, McKay, Meadowcroft, Clayton, Jason McShane (Hamid 67), Houghton, James McShane (Stafford 71), Ryan Malone, Woolley, Smith Sub not used Kiernan (GK) Booked McKay, Malone

West | Ashley (GK), Tinker (Poole), Botchey, Bayunu, Rogers, Potts, McGrath, Mason, Henderson (Poizer), Kay, Evangelinos (Whyment) Subs not used Williams, Mendes Gomes Goals Henderson 7, Evangelinos 67, 75 Booked McGrath, Potts Sent off Potts

Attendance 41