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Persistence seems to be a word missing from Real Mallorca's dictionary. On Sunday, after failing to reap any kind of reward for an excellent first thirty minutes of crisp passing and bright attacking football, the side capitulated allowing direct rivals Real Sociedad to win 2-0 and return to San Sebastian with three points in the bag. Throughout the season Mallorca's ability to give up trying when they fail to score has been embarrassing and while players constantly call for fans to support them till the death, it would be nice to see the same kind of commitment from the team. On Sunday Mallorca found themselves up against a well-organised and hardworking Real Sociedad team -- one that no doubt understands the severity of their problems -and as soon as they realised it would be difficult to score the towel was thrown to the ground quicker than an Albert Luque free-kick. Julian Robles, a surprise inclusion in the starting eleven, was the islanders' shining light in the first-half being the spark at the start of every Mallorca attack and breaking up anything Real Sociedad could muster. Chances went missing though, two to Ariel Ibagaza who really should have done better with clear shots at Sander Westerveld's goal. But despite all the possession in the first 45 minutes Mallorca failed to make it count, something that obviously triggered off a psychological reaction amongst the players because they came out for the second-half a changed team. Gone was the patient, but incisive, passing and in its place was a hesitant side lacking in imagination. Sensing their chance Real Sociedad went looking for the full three points and it was only four minutes into the second half when Darko Kovacevic nodded them in front. It was a powerful header, but daydreaming goalkeeper Carlos Roa and the Mallorca defence made sure the Yugoslav had no trouble hitting the target. Kovacevic clinched the victory for the visitors on the hour after some more woeful Mallorcan defending, consistent with the team's attitude after going behind. Defeat means Mallorca drop to 15th -- two places behind Real Sociedad -- just two points above Tenerife in last position. Next week Malloca remain at home in a must-win fixture against Espanyol, a tie in which they will have to show a lot more persistence if they really want to stay in the top flight next season.