BARNTON ended a three-match losing run at Winsford United on Monday, but manager Steve Lloyd was still left feeling rueful.

The Villagers established a two-goal lead at Barton Stadium thanks to strikes either side of the interval from Chris Smith and Lee Vaughan.

However they had to settle for a share of the spoils after replies from Steve Jenyons and Kyle Riley, who converted a penalty, secured a draw for Blues.

“We were in a commanding position, and let three points slip away,” said Lloyd.

“It feels like a defeat after we controlled the game for a long spell.

“Our naivety was our undoing, although Winsford deserve credit for battling back and they had us hanging on at the end.”

It leaves Barnton, promoted from Division One at the end of last season after winning a play-off against Bacup Borough, placed 13th in the table after seven games.

Lloyd, who included new recruit Jonathan Jones from the start, insists his side remains a work in progress.

He added: “It’s important to learn.

“We know what went wrong collectively, and we’ll put it right.

“It’s still early days for this squad, but these lads have the right mentality to draw on the positives.”

They visit Nelson this Saturday, kick off 3pm.