LES JONES wants Saturday’s defeat to be the ‘kick up the backside’ to ensure Pershore Town focus on the challenges ahead.
The Plums manager admitted his side got what they deserved after going down to a 3-2 loss at home to Dudley Town in the West Midlands League Premier Division.
Jones felt his side paid the price for complacency, falling 3-0 down and having keeper Matt Gwynne sin-binned before goals from Matt Pinder and Dan Nokes set up a grandstand finale.
Town need to bounce back quickly when they face a tough test away to Wolverhampton Casuals on Saturday before a much-anticipated FA Vase derby with Malvern Town a week on Sunday.
“Last Saturday, we just didn’t turn up,” said Jones. “Especially in the first half, we just weren’t at the races. We were just too sluggish.
“Seventy per cent of the team just under-performed – it was a disappointing display to say the least.
“Dudley had strengthened from their previous game and brought in six players. They were probably better than they were the previous week and we were a lot worse.
“It wasn’t about the tactics or the shape. We didn’t do the basics right. You have to earn the right to play and we didn’t do that.
“I think a bit of complacency set in. I hope Saturday was a kick up the backside because we’ve got some tough games coming up.”
Mitch Lawley opened the scoring at the Community Stadium as Dudley quickly took the initiative and Dan Jones doubled the lead after half-time.
It was a controversial goal with Pershore keeper Matt Gwynne’s protests over a push in the build-up earning him a spell in the sin-bin. Sam Clark stepped in between the sticks but Joe Bevan added Dudley’s third.
Pinder side-footed home a far-post cross to give Pershore hope on 71 minutes and Nokes struck with seven minutes left but Pershore’s late pressure could not create an equaliser.
“It was a frustrating afternoon but we are not going to panic,” said Jones.
“We are still sixth in the table and the Dudley result will be forgotten if we can go and get the points at Casuals.”
Midfielder Ben Lane and striker Nick Seabourne return to the squad this weekend for the trip to Cassies.
Meanwhile, Town’s clash against Malvern will be played at Evesham United’s Jubilee Stadium on Sunday, September 1 (3pm). Malvern’s ground is currently undergoing a revamp so they have switched the tie.
