IT was a frustrating afternoon for Ian Evatt on Saturday as his Barrow side slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat away at Maidstone United.

The Bluebirds conceded an early goal but had enough chances to get something of the game in the first half although after the break, they never really troubled Lee Worgan in the Stones’ goal.

“I thought we dominated the game from start to finish and we probably had 65 – 70 per cent of possession. We just need to stop shooting ourselves in the foot at the other end of the pitch,” said Evatt after the match.

“Conceding a goal after six minutes gave us a mountain to climb. We had great opportunities and Jack (Hindle) should have scored. After that though, Maidstone were camped behind the ball and we just couldn’t break them down.

“We have got to learn to find the balance of when to defend and shut up shop and went to play our football. I am tired of having people say to me what a great side Barrow are and that they are the best side they have seen. We need to start coming away with points. The worst we should have had today was nil-nil.”

Like against Chesterfield in Barrow’s previous fixture, Maidstone United’s goal came from a ball into the box, but Evatt was not too concerned: “It is not ideal. We have got a free week this week so we can work on things in training, but we are not a million miles away. We can see we are a very good side, it is just about putting it all together. Even in our wins this season we haven’t put it all together and it is going to come.”

Although it is still early in the season, the Bluebirds are suffering with fitness issues with Evatt saying: “We have picked up injuries to key players and there were lads out there against Maidstone who were carrying knocks although that is no excuse.

"We can look after the players this week although we have a lot of hard work to do. We are a small squad and we need to have a bit of luck when it comes to injuries.”

Evatt has made it clear what he expects from his side: “They did a lot right against Maidstone. My standards are really high and if they don’t abide by them and don’t do the things I am asking them to do then we won’t get on.

"We should never have lost the game against Maidstone and that is what hurt the most.”