QUENTIN TOWNSEND says Pershore Town need to build on the positives – and eradicate a few negatives – after a week of highs and lows.
After beating hosts Bolehall Swifts 4-0 on Saturday, with Danny Ludlow and Gareth Evans both scoring twice, Town then slipped to a 3-2 loss on Tuesday at Racing Club Warwick after taking the lead.
Manager Townsend described the performance at Bolehall as the best since he took over in November.
But he was frustrated Town could not kick on against Warwick and admitted the team ran out of steam after playing two matches on such heavy pitches.
“I feel I’m saying the same thing to the lads in the dressing room, and to the media,” said Townsend.
“A couple of weeks ago, we had a great result at Lichfield but then undid the good work by having to settle for a draw at Southam, who had been really struggling.
“Then against Bolehall it was our best performance of the season and we could have, should have, won at Racing Club. We need to be able to put back-to-back performances together.
“We ran out of steam. It’s not a lack of effort but the fitness. The players were saying they haven’t had a proper pre-season and that’s something we will work on next summer.”
With back-to-back home matches against Southam United tomorrow (Saturday) and Pelsall Villa next Tuesday, Townsend says Pershore need to make the most of their opportunities against two teams below them to move towards mid-table in Midland League Division One.
“Both teams are below us so they are classic six-pointers,” said Townsend.
Captain Shaun Griffiths and front-runner Ludlow are both rated 50-50 fitness chances. Centre back Griffiths missed the midweek match after having two stitches in a cut eye against Bolehall, while Ludlow hurt his hamstring against Warwick.
The manager was delighted with the first half against Bolehall, with Pershore taking a 3-0 interval lead.
Ludlow gave Town the advantage after 19 minutes with a cool finish and then skipped past a defender to set up Evans for the second from close range two minutes later.
With Town in complete control, Ludlow struck again after drifting in from the right, beating his marker and then curling in a left-footed effort.
Town further extended the lead in the 52nd minute with Evans shooting home from the edge of the box.
Evans made it three goals in two games to give Pershore the lead at Racing Club on Tuesday night.
Evans dispossessed a home defender to lob the keeper in the 16th minute but a harsh penalty award against keeper Andy Yarnold allowed Jamie Smith to level just before the break.
Smith completed his hat-trick to make it 3-1 as Town struggled to impose themselves on their hosts, until Ashley Bloore scored a consolation goal late on from Ollie Casey’s pass.
