Whatever the level, the result of football matches rests firmly on not only creating chances but taking them. Sling, said manager Chris Norris, had 20 chances and scored twice. Mushet had three chances and netted them all!

This derby was a good game of highly competitive football, said Norris.

"We played some good football but, fair play, so did Mushet. They were a good side and deserved the victory," he said.

Norris, in his first year as manager, has high hopes for Sling.

"We have a really good squad and things are coming together very nicely. The boys are really keen and I can't see any reason why we should not be in the race for promotion," he said.

Sling suffered a spectacular fall from grace at the end of last season. Chasing top place, they cooked their goose when they slumped to six successive defeats.

This season Norris is determined things will be different. Saturday's defeat was only the second in nine games and the manager says the team is playing with much greater purpose and consistency.

Top scorer to date is Liam Jacques but Saturday's goals were both scored by Lewis Davies.

"It was two apiece at half-time but though we created chances Mushet took theirs to sneak the win. I had used both my substitutes and then we had an injury so we had to finish with 10 men," he said.

Norris, a veteran with a long career in local football, still enjoys the odd game for the Reserves, but is now keen to further his experience as a manager and coach.

"Obviously I'm disappointed we lost to Mushet but it is not the end of the world and I'm confident we will be in the chase for promotion come the end of the season," he said.