CAERNARFON Town boss Sean Eardley was pleased with his side’s response despite falling to a 3-2 defeat at Newtown.

The Canaries produced a much-improved display against the Robins but were unable to hold on to an advantage after recovering from a goal down, and the result leaves them in fifth spot as they prepare to welcome defending JD Welsh Premier League champions The New Saints on Monday night (7.45pm).

Speaking to the club’s YouTube channel, Eardley said: “I asked for reaction from the players and they could have been daunted given Newtown’s impressive home record, but they took the game on well and I thought the boys were excellent.

“There was plenty of work-rate and desire, and they showed character to come from one down so it is a tough one to take.

“I thought it was one of our best away performances this season and we had the better chances in the first half, but if chances aren’t going in you cannot show the naivety we did and we need to manage the game a bit better.

“The bottom line is I am proud of my players and the support from the Cofi Army, who came down in their numbers again. One thing I always do is dissect the goals we concede and what is getting to me at the minute is that teams aren’t working hard enough for their and it is hurting the defenders.”

Chris Hughes’ side opened the scoring on 32 minutes through a Chris Williams effort, before the Cofis launched a stunning fightback with goals from the in-form duo of Sion Bradley and Darren Thomas to put them ahead.

This joy proved fleeting as Rio Ahmadi equalised a minute after the restart, and a low effort from Alex Fletcher on 83 minutes condemned them to defeat.