Ben Heneghan was frustrated at the lack of chances Chester FC created against Tranmere Rovers, but admits through gritted teeth to being impressed at how well organised the opposition were.
The below-par Blues managed three shots on target, none of which had keeper Scott Davies too concerned, with James Alabi and Ross Hannah unable to have a bearing with Rovers back four of Lee Vaughan, Liam Ridehalgh, Michael Ihiekwe and Steve McNulty stifling them out of the game.
Chester themselves defended well enough and despite having far more possession, Tranmere needed a contentious 69th minute penalty from James Norwood to secure a 1-0 victory on Sunday .
Heneghan was chasing back when Johnny Hunt was ruled to have brought down Adam Mekki in the box, but the centre-back is adamant his team-mate got a touch on the ball.
Even so, the 22-year-old thinks the Blues can have no complaints about the result after a disappointing performance.
"I thought Tranmere were a lot more organised than us and that showed in the end really," said the England C internatonal.
"I still don't think it was a penalty but the referee's given it and we've just got to accept that. I'm certain Johnny got a touch on the ball because I was basically behind him but like I said the referee's gone with that decision and we've got accept it and move on.
Read: Steve Burr pinpoints 'nous and quality' as decisive in Tranmere Rovers defeat
"We didn't really create anything ourselves, which was frustrating, and we were just waiting on set-play or something but it didn't really happen for us.
"I think as a back three and a four we did well together and I suppose you can take that as a positive but obviously the penalty killed us and it was tough once we conceded that goal.
Read: Jim Green's verdict as the Blues are beaten at home to Tranmere
"To be fair Tranmere defended well and they were very organised which helped them massively and we didn't really get anything going so hats off to them for a good defensive performance."
In pictures: Match gallery from Chester's derby defeat to Tranmere
Chester have consecutive home games this week against the two teams directly above them in the National League table, starting with Bromley on Saturday (3pm) and then Aldershot Town on Tuesday (7.45pm).
The Blues are six points above the bottom four at the moment but still have work to do to avoid being sucked into the relegation dogfight.
"We need to make these games count and start getting some points on the board," said Heneghan.
Opinion: No time to mope as Blues prepare for crucial back-to-back home games, says Jim Green
"It's very tight where we are in the table and there are five or six teams with only a point or two between them so it's important we get some points and push on.
"I'm confident we can do it. Things haven't been going our way lately and Sunday was another example of the calls that go for the teams at the top with the penalty but we've just got to move on, knuckle down, work hard and I'm sure we can do it."
