STEVE Lloyd has said morale is not damaged at Barnton after an FA Cup exit, and asked his players to repeat their second-half performance last week in their league opener.

The Villagers kick off a sophomore season in the North West Counties League top-flight at home to Charnock Richard, kick off 3pm.

And they will be keen to avoid a slow start that cost them during a 4-2 reverse at Parkgate.

“We walked off dejected because we could easily have ended up winning,” said Lloyd.

“Their goalkeeper made a string of top-quality saves and we missed four golden chances; our collective response to going 4-1 down was excellent and we take the positivity from that into Saturday’s game.

“We attacked with vigour, an element that had been missing before half-time.”

Jack Woolley netted twice against the Northern Counties East League outfit, and will again lead the line this weekend.

However captain Jack McKay will be missing after injuring an ankle last weekend, and could be missing for the next month.

Adam Bayley, a summer recruit, is expected to stand in.

Charnock Richard travel to Townfield in similar circumstances their hosts found themselves in 12 months earlier – buoyed by promotion to the highest level in their history.

Lloyd said: “I expect them to be a quality opponent; hard work and togetherness got them up last season, and this match will mean a lot to them.

“We need to be aware of that, particularly as we understand exactly how they’ll be feeling.”