Harrogate Railway boss Mick O'Connell frustrated to see perfect start ended, but not unhappy with performance levels

Harrogate Railway striker Joe Crosby challenges for a header during Saturday's NCEL Division One defeat to Retford. Picture: Craig Dinsdale

The Starbeck club's 100-per-cent start to the season was ended by a 1-0 home loss in a game which they dominated, but saw them squander numerous goal-scoring opportunities.

Alex Wonham broke the deadlock against the run of play just before half-time, and despite Railway creating a hatful of chances to get themselves back into the contest, they were unable to do so.

"It was a really strange game, we played very well, we just couldn't score," O'Connell reflected.

"I've never seen a more one-sided match in my life where the team that was on top takes nothing from it. We've watched it back and we've had seven or eight clear-cut chances, but it was just one of those days, if we were playing now we still wouldn't have scored.

"We missed three one-versus-ones in the first half, two open goals in the second and had two stonewall penalties not given. We had upwards of 80 percent of possession and every time we went forward we opened Retford up.

"So I can't be too disappointed with the performance. I'm frustrated by the result, it's three points dropped, but it's early days in the season and there are still a lot of positives to take because of how we played.

"The message to the lads was that if we play like that all year, we will win 90 per cent of our games. I guess luck was on Retford's side on Saturday. We're frustrated, but we've just got to move on and make sure we maintain that kind of level of performance going forwards."

This Saturday, fifth-placed Railway visit Brigg Town (3pm), who currently sit 12th in the table.

O’Connell and his men came out on top of both of last season’s visits to the home of the Zebras, their most recent win their coming in a promotion play-off semi-final.

"I expect another tough game, and probably a hostile atmosphere off the back of what there happened last season,” the Irishman added.

“But, we go there with a positive mindset after our performances against Retford. We’ll look to take the game to them.

“We’re going there to and try win.”