Chester Gladiators remain without a win in North West Men's League Division Three but took heart from a season's best performance in a 44-22 home reversal against Crosfields.

Ultimately the difference between the teams proved to be unforced errors with the Warrington-based visitors ruthlessly punishing Chester's mistakes at critical times of the game, particularly during a 20 minute spell either side half-time in which the hosts conceded four tries.

However, player-coach Paul Foster praised his team's efforts in defeat and is confident results will soon start to turn.

"Of course its disappointing to lose and it is a game that we were capable of winning as we showed in large patches," said Foster.

"But in terms of the performance I have to be pleased because it was our most complete performance of the season so far.

"We knew this was going to a challenging season after so many changes over the winter and this group of players have my full confidence. We are starting to form partnerships and there's a real togetherness in the squad that will stand us in good stead."

Crosfields opened the scoring with the game's opening try on 10 minutes but the home side hit back in the 18th minute when the impressive Mark Kingsley wriggled over the line with Dylan Rowe converting.

Chester conceded again on 26 minutes to trail 6-12 but levelled less than five minutes later with Kingsley again the provider as his offload found John Lightfoot and he crashed over next to the posts with Rowe adding the extras.

The scores were tied at 12-12 with half-time approaching, however Crosfields struck twice in the closing stages of the first period to leave the Gladiators down 22-12 at the turnaround.

Chester needed to strike next but a nightmare start to the second-half saw the visitors take advantage of two errors to touch down twice and open up a commanding 22 point lead.

The hosts regrouped and worked themselves back into the game with both Rowe and Mike Walker crossing the whitewash in the final 20 minutes, but the visitors responded with two tries of their own to take the points.

Next up for the Gladiators is a trip to Wigan Bulldogs this Saturday (2.30pm).