COLWYN Bay manager Alan Morgan rued his side’s poor start in their 3-0 loss at Evo-stik League West Division league leaders Radcliffe Borough.

A youthful Seagulls side were second best throughout large parts of the contest and conceded a critical times to condemn them to defeat, and they host Runcorn Linnets on Saturday looking to get back to winning ways (3pm).

Morgan, said: “Conceding those goals in the opening minutes of both halves killed us. It handed them the game.

“It’s a big learning curve in a tough adult league for some of the younger players, but they are not in youth football anymore and need to man up quickly.”

The visitors made the worst possible start and fell behind after just 90 seconds when Tunde Owalabi produced a fine header from a corner past Bay stopper Paddy Wharton.

Owalabi had another headed goal disallowed soon after, but the away side remained resolute and kept themselves in the game in the face of intense pressure thanks to a pair of smart stops from Wharton and a goal-line clearance from Josh Brizell.

Bay had a great chance to level matters when Danny Bartle’s header sailed narrowly wide from a Danny Andrews cross, and another impressive attacking move resulted in James Barrigan firing a shot straight at the keeper.

After the break saw the visitors begin poorly and they were punished on 48 minutes when Rick Smith scored at the second attempt after his first shot came back off the foot of the post.

Barrigan and Blake Robinson both spurned good opportunities to get Bay back into the clash midway through the half, and they fell further behind after 70 minutes when Ben Wharton netted from the penalty spot to round off the scoring after Owalabi was felled in the box.