An inability to defend counter attacks cost St Cuthbert Wanderers dearly on Saturday.
The Kirkcudbright side lost 2-1 to Lochar Thistle, with Nathan Taylor and Robbie Hogg scoring for the visitors and Reece McAteer on target for Saints.
And the nature of the goals conceded was particularly frustrating for Saints boss Josh Gardner.
He said: “We started really well, dominated the first 15 minutes then Lochar scored a counter attack. From a Lochar point of view it’s a good goal but from our point of view it’s poor defending – and moment’s later it’s been pretty much a carbon copy.
“There’s no point sugar coating it, we’ve not defended two counter attacks well.
“I didn’t feel we defended them well during the game and that’s where Lochar got their opportunities. If I’m being honest they should have hurt us more on the counter.
“We should be defending those counter attacks a lot better.
“The players know what to do and how to do it. We’re all human and make mistakes. A few will look in the mirror knowing they didn’t play as well or defend as well as they can. The full day wasn’t a disaster, we did a lot of things well, but it seems most mistakes we make seem to get punished.
“I wouldn’t say Lochar didn’t make mistakes, we just didn’t punish them. We just seem to get punished.”
“It’s a brand new group and it’s still early days but the games don’t get any easier.”
With Jonny Condie and Kane Paton both facing lengthy spells on the sideline, Gardner has made moves to boost the squad.
Threave youngster Darryl Wilson and former Thorniewood United player Nick Mullen both featured as trialists on Saturday and are set to sign permanently.
Gardner said: “Both came on as subs and did pretty well.
“Nick was at Gartcairn, Albion Rovers and Clyde with me. He’s a player I know really well and if he gets firing he should do the business. Darryl is a good, committed player. He’s strong, his attributes are a bit different to what we already have.
“I’m glad to get them on board and it’s just a case of trying to get them up to speed. They’ve slipped in seamlessly.”
Saints are in cup action this weekend with a tricky trip to Troon, who play in the West of Scotland League.
Gardner added: “They’re a very good team and I’ve heard a lot of good things.
“It’ll be a hard, hard afternoon.
“We’ve got to relish that and try to cause an upset as I don’t think anyone is giving us a hope.
“I was highly impressed with Linlithgow in the Scottish Cup and they’ve been flying since then. Troon seem to have those same qualities so we’re going to need to be at our best.”
