Aspin has no complaints with loss

Aspin is staying positive despite struggling at times to field a team

Harrogate Town's play off hopes took another knock with a 3-0 defeat at home to Southport in Blue Square North.

Manager Neil Aspin was disappointed with his side's defence against the third-placed side.

Aspin told BBC Radio York: "The most disappointing aspect of the game was the goals we gave away.

"They were all poor but I have to hold my hands up and say we were beaten by a stronger team with better players than us at the moment."

Harrogate Town have lost a number of key players to other clubs in recent weeks and Aspin also has a number of suspensions to deal with in the squad. But he refused to use those as an excuse for the defeat.

"I don't think it matters what level of football you play or which ever team you put out if you give away sloppy goals you're always going to be up against it, especially to a team like Southport who are strong at the back.

"We proved earlier in the season that on our day we were a match for anyone.

"I think the fact that we've beaten Gateshead twice who are top of the league and could win the league shows that we could compete but times have changed and it's going to be more difficult now and I think people have to realise that.

"But we're not throwing in the towel. We've still got games to play and you've got to keep going.

"We've still got difficult fixtures but I'm encouraged by the fact we're getting a lot of younger lads in the club willing to have a go and that gives us a lot of hope for the future."