THERE was disappointment for New Brighton as they were edged out by the odd point in a tense North Two West clash at promoted Wilmslow.
The Blues piled on the pressure in the closing stages, but the East Cheshire side just held out with some desperate defensive work.
Brighton did not make enough use of their forward strength and a three-two try count was of little consolation to them.
Marcus Coast started out at stand-off for the Wirral outfit but later changed places with centre Stephen Dean, which led to some improvement.
Both sides suggested they need more time to gel in a hard-fought encounter which could have gone either way.
Back-row man Ikuna Manuofetoa, on his league debut, grabbed the first Blues try and others followed through wingers Gas Simpson and Greg Hughes.
Coast was successful with two of the conversions but could not capitalise on a couple of penalty opportunities.
Wilmslow landed a trio of penalties to add to their two touch downs.
