DESPITE a fourth straight defeat in all competitions, 1874 Northwich co-manager Wayne Goodison believes his side can take encouragement from their second-half display against league title favourites Marine.

The Merseysiders ran out 2-0 winners at Townfield thanks to first-half goals from Ryan Wignall and Danny Shaw.

1874 have not scored in any of the four losses in a row, but Goodison is taking the positive from a much-improved showing after the break.

However, he says his side need to be "cleverer" as they adapt to life in the Northern Premier League West Division.

"A bit of a mixed one for us," he said post-match.

"We weren't too happy at half time with a few things – not particularly with the effort, just a few things we hadn't gone about right.

"We spoke about that at half time and the second half was much better.

"It was more indicative of what we try and do. We looked more aggressive with the ball, we were more competitive.

"We were up against a really good side and the second half showed that we're more than capable of competing. We've just got to be a little bit cleverer in certain areas.

"The first half sums up what's gone on with us. It's two set-pieces – the first one we think is a foul on the goalkeeper but at this level, teams are perhaps a little bit cuter.

"We weathered their storm a little bit and we were in the game, but the second goal puts us right on the back foot.

"We put ourselves in a position in the last 15 minutes as they tired to maybe get at them, but we've got to learn lessons.

"We can't go 2-0 down in this league and expect to get out of it. We have to stay in games."

1874 now face a third home game in a row on Tuesday as Newcastle Town visit Townfield.