ADRIAN LAM cut a devastated figure after Leigh Leopards’ 20-8 derby loss to Wigan Warriors.
But the coach insisted Leigh are “very close to being very, very good”.
They led 8-0 when Wigan’s Jai Field ran the length of the field from a surprise tap penalty three minutes before half-time.
Then two errors gifted tries as their local rivals completed the turnaround, inflicting Leigh’s first defeat in six.
“It’s very, very tough to take,” said Lam.
“I’m not disappointed with the overall performance. I think there were just a couple of really big moments there that we were in control of and poor skill put us under pressure.
“The try just before half‑time hurt us a little bit. I didn’t think we deserved that, the way that we played. That changed the mindset in the dressing room a little bit.
“In the second half, we were nowhere near the team that we’ve been. A couple of tries against the run of play hurt us a lot and set everyone into a negative mindset.
“From that point on, we just weren’t connected and lost our way. When you’re playing one of the top teams and they score right on the bell, it just deflates you a little bit.
“What hurt us the most was that it was our fault. No individual brilliance did that. It was just a quick tap-and-go.
“There’s a good lesson there. We’re very close to being very, very good, so let’s not lose faith with that.”