McCormack was left to rue mistakes in the 38-34 defeat

Gateshead Thunder head coach Steve McCormack believes sloppy mistakes are costing his side valuable points after Sunday's 38-34 defeat by Whitehaven.

Thunder ran in seven tries but conceded the same number, and McCormack wants his players to tighten up if they are to achieve a play-off place this term.

He told BBC Newcastle: "For large parts of the game we really stood up to them.

"But to concede that amount of points is something that you cannot afford to do and at home you expect to win."

"We'd combated their strengths but then after the break Kyle Amor went straight through and we were on the back foot," McCormack added.

There were positives for Thunder, notably in the performances of the three new signings from French side Pia, who made their debuts in the game.

Nick Youngquest, Paul Franze and Kris Kahler all scored tries to mark their entrance and McCormack was delighted with their contribution.

"They're going to get better the three players that have come, they've only had one training session," he said.

"Youngquest looked very good at times in that game. The new lads came in and they looked very good."

Thunder are ninth in the Championship after nine matches, and are in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup where they will meet St Helens.

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