PERSHORE Town need a spark – and a change of fortune – to get back to winning ways after a frustrating week, according to manager Quentin Townsend.
The Town boss felt it was another tale of missed chances, literally and figuratively, as they had to settle for a point at freefalling Southam United in Tuesday’s Midland League Division One fixture.
Pershore had proved their resilience on Saturday to earn a 1-1 draw at top four side Lichfield City, thanks to Brett McGilligan’s late equaliser, but the same scoreline on Tuesday felt like two points dropped.
“We got a great point against a good team against Lichfield and I thought that would be a springboard to kick on,” said Townsend.
“Southam hadn’t got a point from the last 13 games and we created enough chances to have won the game but we didn’t take them. It’s a recurring theme.
“We need that little extra spark and that rub of the green. The equaliser summed it up – we had a great chance to go 2-0 up but then seconds later they have their only shot at goal and it hits my centre back and ends up in the net.”
Despite playing on a really tricky surface in what was Southam’s first home game since November 14, Pershore had the perfect start at Townsend’s former club when they took a third-minute lead through James Walker from a corner.
Dan Carter went close with a long range effort and Gareth Evans, on his debut against his former side, was denied by Saints keeper Matt Archer.
However, moments later Southam captain Tunde Ajibade levelled with a shot which took a huge deflection to elude keeper Andy Yarnold.
Pershore still looked the more likely winners but lacked the cutting edge, despite throwing on fellow new signing Dom Strevens, who has joined from Fairfield Villa.
On Saturday Pershore deserved their point at high-flying Lichfield, as both sides created opportunities.
Yarnold’s agility brought two smart saves in the first half to deny Lichfield but Danny Carter and Jacob Snape threatened at the other end.
The hosts went ahead through Tony Clarke on 62 minutes but McGilligan levelled matters eight minutes from time.