IT seems like only a week ago (but that's probably because it was only a week ago) that I was reciting the adage about performances being more important than results.

Then, I was concerned that a victory had masked a number of deficiencies in my Willington Under-15s' side; today, I am buoyant in defeat.

On Tuesday, we lost 3-2 to our Under-16s' team, having "outclassed them in the first half" - according to the club's most venerable coach.

Usually slow starters, we put more passes together in a first-minute move than Middlesbrough managed in the whole of their mismatch with Arsenal.

How we were level at 2-2 at half time, having had to come from behind twice, was baffling.

We had created a succession of chances, our defence repelled most of what was thrown at it, and our movement when in possession was tremendous.

And it goes without saying that we didn't concede a goal from a corner - our hard work at training appears to be reaping rewards!

This was all achieved, despite the absence of our midfield schemer Adam Comby, around whom most of our attacking plans revolve.

The loss of Nicholas Elliott, our raging bull of a striker, to injury and my policy of ringing the changes in these pre-season games weakened us after half time.

Still we could and possibly should have sneaked at least a draw, but it took a superb shot from 25 yards to split the two sides.

(It also took the introduction of a 17-year-old on an alleged Under-16s' team to give the older lads the initiative - but we'll diplomatically overlook that one!)

All in all, it was our most valuable workout since I took over as coach last month.

We have a training session tonight, then another friendly on Sunday: an annual game against St Mary's, from nearby Bishop Auckland.

Apparently, we lost 5-0 at home to them last season; this year, we are away, and we will be without Messrs Comby and Elliott.

I'm sure we'll also be inhibited by my meddling with tactics and personnel - but as the big kick-off approaches I'm confident we will be up to the test.

My quest for sponsorship goes on, the last seven days having brought no success in my search for a company to bankroll a new home strip.

As our away kit was funded by those good people at Barclaycard, I have set my sights high.

I haven't quite rung Bill Gates at Microsoft, but a handful of big-hitting firms have said "Thanks, but no thanks."

Actually, some haven't been polite enough to say that, but I am too busy scouring the Yellow Pages to worry about that.

Rupalis, my favourite curry house in Newcastle's fabled Bigg Market, have promised some assistance. What a jolly nice man Lord Harpole, the restaurant's owner, is.

It would take £300 to make me, and my squad, very happy chappies. Let's hope my next dispatch brings better news.

Coaching is great fun, but I can honestly say I am dreading next Friday.

Then, it will be horrible duty to tell three players that they will not be needed for our first Premier Division game of the season, at Parkside two days later.

Managers of professional clubs always say the worst part of their job is telling youngsters that they are being released.

I can fully empathise with them.