DARREN Gilbert has played down his appearance in the Liskeard Athletic dugout for last Saturday’s game against South West Peninsula League leaders Wendron at Lux Park.

Gilbert, who has been coaching and training the club’s second team this season following his departure from Bodmin Town, stood alongside manager Martin Hodge as the Blues slipped to a 3-2 defeat.

Gilbert said: “I’ve said I will help out for a few weeks and I don’t really want to say any more than that.”

Gilbert had previously said he had no interest in returning to a first team role following an emotional departure from Bodmin after 14 trophy-laden years.

Hodge has been doing the manager’s job at Lux Park since his joint manager Lee Mann stepped down earlier in the season.

Speaking about Liskeard’s defeat to Wendron, Gilbert said: “We dominated the match, had plenty of chances but if you don’t take them you leave yourselves open to conceding at the other end.

“We had three or four one on one situations in the first half and didn’t turn any of them into a goal; we also hit the post and the bar.

“Wendron took their chances and in the end that was the difference.”

Gilbert still believes the Blues can make a title challenge despite being 19 points behind Wendron with four games in hand.

He said: “It’s a tough ask but we have the players to turn it around and I think we’ll be there or thereabouts.

“But my personal opinion is that we aren’t fit enough.”