ANCHOR Falcons turned in easily their best performance of the season on Sunday despite losing to fourth-placed New Inn Claines, raising hopes that they can climb away from the lower reaches of the Sunday division two table.

NEW INN CLAINES 3, ANCHOR FALCONS 1

Caretaker-manager Jon Hale had several players back, naming Mark Berry and John Goode as central midfield partners after both returned from lengthy spells out injured. Hale played centre-half and Russ Collins reverted to right-wing, to link well with right back Chris Williams.

The game could have been over in the second minute. Claines gained a corner and as the ball sailed towards the box it curved cruelly over the head of goalkeeper Will Hale and nestled in the far corner of the net. Previous experiences this season suggested that the visitors would never recover. They did, however, and produced some excellent football in their opponent's half with Paul Park, Rich Lambert and Collins a constant threat. Chances were perhaps at a premium though, with long shots from Park and Griffin being all they had to show for their efforts.

Claines' second goal on 28 minutes was against the run of play, as several tackles went begging and the ball was clinically converted from 16 yards. Anchor finished the half as the stronger team, with skipper Carl Wilkins having his best game of the season.

Anchor continued to play good football and Griffin, Goode and man-of-the-match Park were all probing albeit to no avail. Claines did compose themselves more as the half wore on but found Will Hale in fine form with two excellent point-blank saves. He was however, helpless when Claines finally sprang the off-side trap and the ball was rolled home for 3-0.

Anchor finally gained their reward when Collins played Park in behind the home defence and he rounded the keeper for a consolation goal.

On Sunday Anchor entertain Portobello, players meet 9.45am at Dysons.