Showing promise amid a 0-3 start to the year, Pete Shea’s young side hit back just after half-time through Madie Smith to trail Zig Zag 2-1, but a lack of execution cost the hosts as they suffered a fourth defeat from as many rounds to start the winter.

Shea said with a host of regulars again away for next week’s clash with defending champions Bathurst St Pat’s, the task at hand isn’t getting any easier for Kinross-CYMS.

“It’s one step forward and seven steps back sometimes,” Shea said, with Smith and Chloe Barrett away next week on state duty, while Amy Byrnes will head overseas for the rest of the season.

“But the kids we have in the team are learning and they’re learning well. At some point this season we’ll stabilise.”

Looking to leap off the bottom of the competition ladder with a strong performance at the Orange Hockey Centre, Kinross-CYMS’ afternoon didn’t start well with Zig Zag’s Katie Wilkins hitting home the game’s first goal.

GALLERY: ORANGE'S GOOD SPORTS

Following the 22nd minute winner, Lithgow’s Millie Leard doubled the visitors’ advantage 10 minutes after the break.

Smith bagged the hosts’ only goal of the afternoon shortly after, and, despite a host of chances to find an equaliser, Kinross-CYMS’ continuity broke down.

Shea said with an inconsistent line-up likely to be his side’s shortfall for most of the season, continuity will be a constant issue.

“Our transition from the mid-field to up front was a bit thin. We just didn’t finish off the opportunities created,” he said.

“We played well though. It was nice to have our best side on the paddock for the first time this season.”

LITHGOW ZIG ZAG 2 (Katie Wilkins, Millie Leard) def KINROSS-CYMS 1 (Madie Smith)