Great Harwood...1 Stone Dominoes...2

GREAT Harwood boss John Hughes is still seeking his first NWCL Division Two win of the season but he is not about to press the panic button.

The reversal at home to Stone was also their first defeat after opening the campaign with two draws and Hughes was confident his young side would soon find their footing.

"We had players missing, probably our most experienced players as well, but we won't use that as an excuse," said Hughes.

"We have a young side and when you are only just bringing a team together it takes time for them to gel.

I am a great believer that the kids can do well and once they have got to know each other, got used to the drill in training and just what I am wanting them to do then we can progress."

Great Harwood trailed early in the game as two long range efforts gave Stone the lead, but Hughes felt his side were a little unlucky.

"Our keeper Bobby Harris has admitted he was at fault for the first one," said Hughes.

"The shot came in from 30 yards but rather than catch it Bob tried something else and missed the ball. He held his hand up and said it was his mistake - that happens sometimes.

"But the second one he had no chance. Again it was a shot from a way out but this time it took a deflection and ended up going in the other corner of the net than the one it was heading for."

Harwood got themselves back into the game when Ryan Parke got up well to head home from a corner but in the second half the lion's share of possession failed to yield a goal for the home side.

"In the second half our keeper had nothing to do," said Hughes.

"Glen Smith impressed again but we didn't get the chances. But once we have worked together a bit more and we have drilled our set pieces then it will come."

Great Harwood travel to Maine Road today.