MATT Farr told his players they had received a ‘reality check’ after conceding seven tries during a reverse at Southport.

Their hosts had lost four of their first five league matches this season but recovered to record a comfortable victory.

“It’s a reminder of what we’re up against at a higher level,” said Winnington Park’s head coach.

“We made too many mistakes, and weren’t committed in the tackle.

“That left us exposed, and we were punished.”

The Northwich side trailed inside five minutes when the home team scored a converted try and the speed of their backs division caused problems.

A second try followed midway through the opening period and a third, also converted, established a 19-0 interval lead.

And the pattern didn’t change later, Southport adding to their tally shortly after the break.

Farr introduced Dan Eastwood, who has progressed through the junior ranks at Burrows Hill, after Matt Cross succumbed to a shoulder injury.

And there was a glimmer of hope for the visitors when Jack Williams tapped a penalty before popping the ball up for Harry Stubbs to power over the line despite the best effort of three defenders to halt his charge.

Cameron Flanagan converted.

The recovery stopped almost as soon as it had started, and Southport scored twice more.

Winnington completed the scoring when Alex Glendinning dotted down, but it was only a consolation.

Farr added: “We need to reflect on what went wrong and refocus for the next game.”

Park | Snowden, Evans, Eaves, Dave Cross, Stubbs, Dykes, Danny Williams, Glendinning, Matt Cross, Flanagan, Twigg, Brookes, Ryan Williams, Sheppard, Jack Williams Replacements Treacy, Robins, Eastwood Tries Stubbs, Glendinning Con Flanagan