WAYNE Goodison said a poor start to the second cost them dearly in a 3-2 home loss to Irlam.

Max Beardsley's 50th-minute effort sealed the three points for Irlam after the sides turned around at 2-2.

A penalty from skipper Matt Woolley (26mins) and a strike from Harry Cain two minutes later had put 1874 2-1 ahead in the North West Counties League Premier Division clash at Townfield.

The Greens also had goals disallowed in each half, one in the 94th minute for a hotly disputed offside decision.

"It was a bit mixed from us," said Goodison, the 1874 co-manager, whose side had opened their league campaign with a 3-0 success at Barnoldswick Town in midweek.

"We thought first half we were ok, good at times, created a lot of chances, got caught on a bit of a sucke rpunch which was a bit disappointing and then a set-piece.

 


 

 

"But at half-time we were happy enough. We just needed to maintain that level and I don't think in the second half we did and that was what cost us.

"We got caught again with a counter-attack and we've paid the price for that."

1874 return to league action at bottom-of-the-table Squires Gate on Tuesday.

Additional reporting: Matt Waters