Bermuda Hogges’ defensive frailties once again reared their ugly head as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against high-flying Cleveland City Stars.

A trip to the Krenzler Stadium always promised to be an uphill to task for the Hogges, who were looking to build on their inaugural victory against New Hampshire Phantoms last week — and so it proved.

Like so many times this season the fledging football franchise were the protagonists of their own downfall and made the worst conceivable start to the game conceding after just two minutes.

According to coach Kyle Lightbourne the Hogges defence switched off — an annoying trait that has plagued them too many times this campaign.

And against the run of play they conceded again before the half-time whistle to hand the Stars an unassailable lead taking into account the Hogges’ meagre goals for column.

But despite the scoreline Lightbourne maintained the Hogges could take positives from the encounter and saved special praise for keeper Jason Williams and midfielder Ralph Bean.

“To be fair to the players I can’t criticise the way we played and to be honest we dominated large periods of the game against a team riding high in the league.

“Afterwards their coach commented on how well we played and while it doesn’t give us any points, it’s nice to hear.

“I thought Jason Williams played well in goal and neither of their goals were his fault.

“Ralph Bean also had a impressive match and continued his good form from our victory against the Phantoms.

“We can take positives from this game and hopefully carry them into our fixture against Cincinnati Kings next week.

“They play Cleveland tomorrow night and we will be conducting a scouting mission to ascertain what type of team they are.”

Once again Lightbourne was left bemoaning defensive blunders and admitted the Hogges had been guilty of some suspect defending for both the Stars’ goals.

In the absence of latest recruit Sean Simmons, who has been temporarily ruled out of overseas action due to visa problems, the Hogges lacked that no-nonsense approach and Lightbourne admitted there was still plenty of work to be done in that area.

“We were guilty of two sloppy mistakes and it’s disappointing because that’s been the story of our season.

“The defence didn’t play well and went to sleep at the crucial times yet again.”

The Hogges take on Cincinnati Kings at the Town and County Sports Complex on July 14 as part of their 10-day trip of the US.