CHERRIES defender Chris Mepham admitted his disappointment with Liverpool’s opening goal during the 3-0 home defeat.

Less than a minute after Nathan Ake was forced off through injury, a long ball forward from Jordan Henderson found Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who ran in behind Mepham to slot home.

Reacting after the loss, the Wales international told the Daily Echo: “It was tough. I think the manner of the goals we conceded we will be frustrated with.

“We spent a lot of time during the week working on defending long balls and the first goal, on a personal level, I was disappointed. It was always an uphill task from there.”

He added: “I thought the first half an hour we looked really good and delivered our game plan really well.

“When Nathan got injured the game seemed to turn on its head – which we shouldn’t let happen.

“It was obviously a massive blow losing Nath but there was no reason why that should affect us for the next five, 10 or 15 minutes going into half time – and it did.”