McCormack was left furious by his side's four-try collapse in the first-half

Barrow Raiders coach Steve McCormack has branded his side's first-half display in Thursday's 42-34 defeat by play-off rivals Halifax "disgraceful".

Raiders were 24-0 down at the break and despite a six-try rally in the second half, McCormack says his side had no chance after such a poor start.

"We were disgraceful - we showed no pride or collective effort," McCormack told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"The second half was different but it's too late then and the game was gone."

McCormack added: "It sums up our season - we're either very good or very ordinary.

"Fair play to the lads, they came out a different team in the second-half but you can't afford to give anyone that kind of head-start, and especially not a quality side like Halifax."

Barrow, Minor Premiership and Grand Final winners in the Championship last season, have mostly struggled to hit the heights in this campaign.

However McCormack, who led Gateshead Thunder's unlikely escape from relegation last term, is refusing to give up on the top spots yet.

"Nothing is won or lost tonight, apart from three points," he said.

"We need to improve if we're going to get anything out of this season, but we're capable of doing it and we're still in there fighting.

"Until the fat lady sings, you won't get me giving up for those top positions."

Barrow (0) 34.

Tries: Rooney, Carlile, Knowles, Ostler, Bauer, Harrison.

Goals: Rooney 5.

Halifax (24) 42.

Tries: Goddard 2, Nash, Wrench, Barlow, Royston, Worrincy.

Goals: Paterson 7.

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