STEVE Yates admits Eagle’s discipline cost them as they fell to their first loss of the season on Saturday.

Prenton left Thornton Road as 13-7 winners, with Chris Bates scoring the hosts’ only try.

Coach Yates said the visitors had “a bit more intelligence” in possession but credited his side’s defensive work.

“It was just two penalties that was the difference, which we must cut out to give opposition scoring chances.

“It was the same last week when we gave away ten penalties, five resulting in scores.

“That said, it was close game and Prenton just worked their possession with a bit more intelligence. We were rushing and that resulted in mistakes and wrong options.

“The tackling was immense and there some big performances. Danny Cahill stepping in at scrum-half did well and again our centre partnership of Bates and Heathwood took us close.”

Eagle travel to Hoylake’s seconds on Saturday.