Marple 53 Ellesmere Port 10

DAVE Layder praised the reaction of his Ellesmere Port side after Saturday’s defeat to Marple.

Despite the heavy loss, Layder said he was pleased with his side’s effort after half-time.

“At the break we were 26-0 down and had lost Dan Perryman to an elbow injury,” said Port coach Layder.

“But after we had a chat at half time the lads really took the game to Marple and although we were beaten by a better team, we gave a good account of ourselves.”

Nathan Quinn touched down in the second half for Port’s first points, but the hosts restored their lead almost instantly.

James Callaghan grabbed the second, but it was too late for a comeback by then.

“There were good performances, particularly from forwards Colin Hadley and Matt McGuire,” said Layder.

“We had debutants like Niall Grant and fielded five colts.

“The future looks bright but we need to weather the storm.

“It is also worth remembering that the league is made up of the very strong top five and in the other seven anyone can beat anyone.

“We have played mostly the better sides, but with the performances we have been delivering, some of the others have become winnable games.”

Perryman is expected to recover in time to face visiting Newton-le-Willows on Saturday.