Godmanchester Rovers manager Ollie Drake admitted his side ‘didn’t show up’ when being beaten by the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division table-toppers last Saturday.
Drake’s men were beaten 4-0 by runaway leaders Felixstowe & Walton United at the David Wilson Homes Ground.
And while the Rovers boss felt the scoreline was probably a little flattering, he was quick to admit his side’s performance fell some way short of the level expected as they suffered a third successive league loss.
“Don’t get me wrong, Felixstowe are a very good outfit,” said Drake. “Even the lads they brought off the bench were excellent and made a difference to the game.
“But it was a big game for us and we didn’t show up. I don’t think the players worked as hard as they have done in other games recently.
“We have injuries which aren’t helping at all, but we looked tired and lethargic. Back to front, side to side, we weren’t good enough.
“We’ve got to turn it round quickly as we have gone from an excellent run to a pretty poor one.
“We’re nowhere near consistent enough and we’re no doubt sliding down the table. I haven’t dared to look to be honest!”
Only a terrific save from the visiting goalkeeper denied Matty Allan an opener last Saturday, but Rovers then fell behind midway through the first half. They conceded three further goals in a quick flurry in the second half to end up emphatically beaten.
Rovers have slipped to 10th place in the Premier Division. They go to Walsham-le-Willows, who sit two places and two points behind them, this Saturday.
Rovers are also in action tonight (Wednesday) in the second round of the League Challenge Cup as they host lower-level Braintree Town Reserves at the David Wilson Homes Ground.
Drake is planning to involve several youth players in the cup tie and hopes to draft in a couple of new faces ahead of the weekend league clash. Captain Tom Moran has become the latest injury victim with an Achilles problem after soldiering through the Felixstowe game.
Drake added: “When we had a bad run earlier in the season, we responded well to turn it around. Now we need to do the same again.
“The first job is to ensure we progress in the League Challenge Cup and we need to pick up three points at Walsham at the weekend. We’ve then got a free week in which to prepare for the next round of the FA Vase.”
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