STAND lost their first league game in 23 against Bootle last weekend but this is not the start of a slide down the table, says manager Nick Davis.

The table toppers - still 12 points clear at the top of NWCL Division Two despite Saturday's defeat - have won 19 in 24 league games this season, their first in the North West Counties since promotion last year.

They suffered another defeat in midweek in the Manchester Cup - 5-2 at first division Salford City - but the performance was much improved.

"On Saturday we were disgusting," said Davis. "They were a very big, strong side and there was a swirling wind. We couldn't play football and they snuck a goal in the second half.

"We had a penalty appeal turned down but we didn't deserve anything out of the game."

Davis said he was relieved the defeat had come against one of the bottom sides rather than one of those challenging his team for promotion and was happy with the display against Salford City.

"We made five mistakes at the back and got punished five times. They have some quality forwards.

"But we played some great football, the midfield were fantastic, we would have beaten any second division side."

Stand face Leek CSOB at home tomorrow.