CLUB general manager Leon Murray admits a flat second half cost Tividale against Highgate United last Saturday.

Tivi lost 2-1 away as they failed to build on the previous weekend's success over Quorn.

Nathan Jones netted for Dale to make it 1-1 five minutes before half time after Mcauley Manning had given United an 18th minute lead.

Both sides were reduced to 10 men in the first half following Nathan Walker's two-footed lunge. Tivi's Liam Smith followed him down the tunnel for his reaction.

Arron Brown then fired home in the final ten minutes to hand Highgate all three points.

Murray said: "It was a fairly even first half but we should have had a big advantage when they had a man sent off. Instead we have reacted and also been reduced to 10 men.

"We then just never got into it in the second half, which was a big disappointment.

"It is important we try and find consistently in the second half of the season."

Tividale will now face Lye Town at Stourbridge Road on Boxing Day (11am kick-off) before going to Heanor Town next Saturday.

"We have some difficult games coming up but the pressure is off us for them. No one will expect us to take something from Lye and that might help us."