CARL Macauley says that Witton Albion’s players saved the worst performance of his tenure for Monday’s defeat against 1874 Northwich.

They lost 3-0 after a subdued display in the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup final.

“It was dire,” admitted Macauley.

“I’d argue that’s the first time this group we’ve put together has played with such a lack of desire and hunger.

“Northwich wanted to win the game more than our lads did, it’s that simple.

“There were up for it, while our energy levels looked low. That’s not like us.”

Witton fans headed for the exit at Wincham Park when Matthew Beadle converted a penalty, awarded after he had been tripped by Theo Chrisokhou, with time running out.

Albion had trailed 2-0 for most of the contest after conceding twice inside the first nine minutes.

Macauley said: “I feel sorry for our supporters because they did their bit in getting behind the team and made themselves heard even when we were two goals down.

“We had a mountain to climb after they scored early on, and we struggled to make an impact after that.

“I’m disappointed with the referee for the first, because I felt their goalkeeper picked up a back-pass before starting the move that ended with Beadle scoring with a free header.

“We’ve had a bad week, conceding six goals in two games. That’s always going to make it harder to win matches.”

Macauley said before kick-off that the contest was an important one he wanted to win after an encouraging start to 2016.

However they created little, save for a Danny Andrews volley that prompted a superb one-handed save from 1874 goalkeeper Greg Hall.

“The message ahead of the game was that reaching a final is only part of the job,” added the Witton boss.

“Once there, you want to win.

“I’m upset we didn’t show any of the things we have done in the past few months.

“Had Danny scored it might have helped us, but I don’t think it was a defining moment.

“We have to be honest, and say we didn’t make their keeper work at all – we put a few balls into the box, but never once got around the back of the defence.

“Northwich deserve the credit, and were worthy winners.”