CAERNARFON Town boss Sean Eardley highlighted the importance of fine margins as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at Newtown.

The newly promoted JD Welsh Premier League side gave a good account of themselves but had nothing to show for their efforts against the clinical Robins, and they face another stern test of their credentials this Sunday when the Canaries make the long trip to Cardiff Met (2.30pm).

Eardley, said: “I cannot fault the effort from the lads and I thought they were tremendous.

“We threw everything at them but I think that fine margins is going to be a key phrase this year. I was disappointed with the way we conceded the first goal but we were very organised in the opening exchanges, cut out their passing lanes which worked well and was similar to how we set up last week.

“We have had chances and Brads’ (Sion Bradley) miss was a big turning point I thought, but I thought overall he was outstanding. The lads are deflated but we have got to dust ourselves down and go again next week.

“Newtown have got some very good technical players and I have got a great deal of respect for Chris Hughes. I think their set up is something we should be looking to emulate, but we gave it a right good go and as I have said before I want every opponent this year to walk off the pitch knowing they have been in a game.”

The visitors started the game well and went close through Gareth Evans and Cai Jones early on, before Bradley came within inches of opening the scoring when he rounded Dave Jones only for his effort to be cleared off the line by Craig Williams.

They were made to pay on 40 minutes when the home side took the lead with a neat finish from Joe Kenton, with Alex Ramsay pulling off two stunning saves after the break to keep the Cofis in the contest.

Town were buoyed when Williams was sent off in the closing stages, but they were caught on the counter in stoppage time when Neil Mitchell prodded home from close range.