EAGLEY suffered their third consecutive defeat when they went down 2-0 at Kirkham, unbeaten leaders of the West Lancashire League Premier Division.

Manager Pete Darby can take some comfort from his side's much improved performance.

In the first half, Eagley found themselves under long periods of pressure with their keeper, James Raynor, pulling off a number of fine saves.

The deadlock was finally broken on 41 minutes, when Dave Mansergh, recently released by Barrow, cut in from the left and squeezed the ball into the net from the narrowest of angles.

The Villagers came more into the game in the second period and were unlucky not to have got back on level terms on 66 minutes when Pete Summerfield, in the Kirkham goal, pulled of an amazing double save from Eagley's Clint McLoughlin, and then Liam Carr.

Almost immediately Kirkham swept upfield and went 2-0 up as Dave Mansergh grabbed his second goal of the game.

The Villagers, to their credit, continued to take the game to their opponents in a performance that must boost their confidence for the rest of the season.

Eagley Reserves defeated Hesketh Bank Reserves 3-0, Tom Birchby, Carl Henry and Gary Lovatt scoring.