LAKESIDE Hammers fell agonisingly short of a consolation point after a hard-fought 49-41 Championship encounter against Berwick.

The Hammers were without Richard Lawson and Adam Ellis and then lost guest Ulrich Ostergaard to a heat three crash.

And Will Pottinger felt circumstances went against his side.

“It was unfortunate that we just missed out on a consolation point, but it was just one of those nights,” said Pottinger.

“I feel sure we would have come away with something if we hadn’t lost Ulrich Ostergaard so early on.

“It was a shame to see him crash out in heat three and we hope he’s not too badly injured.

“We were on the wrong end of a couple of decisions and a few things just didn’t quite fall our way, and that’s the way it goes sometimes.

“Alfie (Bowtell) and Kyle (Newman) made the start in heat 14 but it got brought back, and we felt the start was quite fair.

“It was one of those evenings where it wasn’t to be, but the key now is we bounce back well against Ipswich this week and make sure we respond quickly.”

Nick Morris top scored, while Chris Harris stepped in and added double figures.

Next up for the Hammers is a trip to Ipswich in the Knock Out Cup Championship on Thursday (May 3).