CARL Macauley preferred to emphasise the progress his side has made rather than criticise them too heavily following a meek defeat against Burscough on Saturday.

After all, nobody had beaten Witton in a home league game since November before the Linnets celebrated a 2-0 win.

It leaves Albion 12 points adrift of a promotion play-offs place with 10 matches left.

“We lacked energy, and looked tired,” said the former Marine manager.

“Although we did just enough before half-time to match them, we didn’t create very much.

“I always sensed that who scored first would win and, while we huffed and puffed, they were better afterwards.”

Will Jones’ two goals, both after he had reacted quickly to meet a rebounded ball, settled the outcome in the visitors’ favour.

It keeps them inside the table’s top five.

Macauley said: “Our defending was poor at times, and that’s what we’ve got across to the lads at full time.

“Too often their player was allowed to take a touch, then another before shooting and that’s too many.

“We have to smell danger better than that because those lapses in concentration have really cost us.

“It’s true that we have young players, particularly in the middle of defence, but they should still do basic organisational things.

“That’s where we’ve fallen short against a good side.”

After four matches without a win, collecting only two points, the momentum Witton had at the turn of the year appears to have gone.

However this was still only a third defeat in the past 15 Division One North fixtures.

“We need to bounce back, and we know that,” added Macauley.

“But it’s important to remember we’ve come a long way, and expectations have been raised as a result.

“I don’t mind that, it means we’ve done well, and we’ll keep trying to improve so we finish as high as we can.”

Albion return to action at Clitheroe on Tuesday.