Lea Jordan has praised the determination of his Chatteris Town players despite losing his first game in the Lilies’ managerial hotseat.

Chatteris were sent to their sixth Kershaw Premier Division defeat courtesy of a 2-0 reverse at Hemingfords United, but Jordan, who took over as boss last month, is remaining upbeat.

“It’s not the result we wanted but the lads really put in a shift and showed determination to try to get back into the game,” he said.

“We have to be more clinical and tight all over the pitch.”

The Lilies found themselves a goal down after just 10 minutes after Jack Jefferson was allowed to head home.

The hosts doubled their lead in similar style just a minute later through Nick Cade’s header which flew in off the underside of the bar.

Chatteris responded well in the second half and came close to pulling a goal back through Scott Callaghan, but his shot struck the post.

“The first 10 minutes cost us the game,” Jordan admitted.

“Both were from crosses and we started slow and we weren’t at the races at all.

“In the second half we were a lot better - we pushed them, hit the post and had a few near misses but we just couldn’t score.”

The Lilies – who are now without a league win since early September – will look to bounce back in the Cliff Bullen Challenge Cup on Saturday.

They host Thorney, who play in the PDFL Premier Division (1.45pm).

Elsewhere, Chatteris’ reserves became only the second side to stop AFC Barley Mow taking maximum points in the Cambs Mead Plant and Grab 1B Division.

Ashley Blanchflower’s third goal of the season earned the Lilies’ a 1-1 draw at West Street – a result which sees them move to fourth in the standings.

The reserves are also in cup action this weekend. They go to Wisbech Acorns in the North Cambs Junior Challenge Cup (1.45pm).

Chatteris Town A’s inconsistent start to their MPG 4B campaign continued last weekend with a 3-0 defeat to Milton.

The A Team have now lost three of their first five matches – a run they will hope to improve on Saturday afternoon when they host Fordham Reserves (2pm).