Early injuries hit Tigers in home defeat

Three players — captain Jamie Price, Ross Goodwin and Aaron Moxam — limped off injured in the first half.

Hemsworth had taken an early two-goal lead through Nash Connolly and a Sam Jones penalty.

Matt Sykes pulled one back seven minutes later as the Tigers trailed 2-1 at the break.

But Seon Ripley made it 3-1 16 minutes before the final whistle, ahead of a late Kyle Jordan consolation.

Denton said: “We were looking for a little bit of luck and we didn’t get it.

“We had to make three changes due to injuries and we were quite weak on the bench in terms of being without Craig Mitchell, Max Pemberton and Matt Reay.”

Despite the personnel problems, Denton was disappointed with the start as the visitors scored twice in the opening 14 minutes.

He added: “We did create chances though. I need to take some positives and our centre halves did really well.

“I also have to take responsibility by changing it to a 4-4-2 (formation).

“The lads have been used to other systems and we’changed it to give us a little bit of width.

“That did not work and I take the responsibility. Regarding individual performances, there are a couple of lads who just need to work on things a little bit more.

“We have to understand that when teams come to Sandy Lane they give an extra 20% — we’ve got to be more ready for that.”

On Saturday the Tigers, seventh in the Premier Division of the Northern Counties east League, travel to second-placed Penistone Church.