PAUL Holleran admits Leamington ‘have to do better’ after surrendering an early lead in a 2-1 defeat away at Spennymoor Town.
An 11th minute strike from Henry Landers put the Brakes in front only for Glen Taylor to draw the home side level before a Callum Hawkins own goal condemned the visitors to defeat at Brewery Field.
However, despite suffering a sixth straight league defeat, Holleran believes recent performances will lead to an upturn in form in the near future with Leamington five points above the relegation zone.
Holleran said: “I thought we started the game really well. We were really positive, and got the goal I think our play deserved. And then, I don’t know how we haven’t gone two up – I think one of our players blocked it on the line. I’ll have to look back at it.
“They grew into the game and the periods where we’ve got to do better are either side of half time. It’s probably the second half I’m disappointed with the most.
“We’ve come out second half and that’s the period that’s done me a little bit. We went through it at half time. I thought tactically we were alright but we aren’t aggressive enough, we haven’t stepped out enough.
“We’ve allowed the build up on the left hand side, we’ve got to do better with that. It’s a great finish from the boy but I think we’ve got to step out and be better there – we backed off them.
“Then we’ve responded, and got back into the game, but then sadly, Callum’s made a misjudgement – as I’ve just said to him in the dressing room, listen son, you’ve saved us many a time, so that’s one of them, we’ve just got to deal with that.
“But then the character of the team to come again, we had two or three chances. We’ve had a goal, which, I don’t know, was it in, was it heading in, was it offside. I don’t know.
“I don’t think anyone who’s seen the game could argue that we didn’t deserve something out of it, but that’s football, and that’s where we are at the moment. There hasn’t been a lot wrong with most of our recent performances, but you move away from that.
“Sometimes when you’re in a bit of a rut you look at it and you can see the effort, application and work ethic of the players, you can see the desire. We’re creating chances and you do get punished in this division.
“We’ve got to do better, but I’m convinced if we can keep the levels where they are now then that will hold us in good stead.
“There was so much to like about the performance, but sadly in this league you can come away, do well and get beat, that’s where we are.”
Leamington broke the deadlock on 11 minutes when Landers smashed a shot past Brad James from Dan Turner’s pass who provided an assist on his second debut for the club.
And the Brakes spurned a golden chance to double their lead as Turner inadvertently blocked Ewan Williams’ goalbound header from a corner on the Spennymoor goalline.
Spennymoor improved after the break and drew level on 58 minutes when Taylor curled a shot into the right corner of the goal from the edge of the penalty area.
And the home side completed the turnaround on 69 minutes as Hawkins misjudged Olly Dyson’s corner from the left as the ball slipped through his gloves and into the net.
Leamington are next in action against league leaders Curzon Ashton on Saturday, December 21 with kick-off at 3pm at the Your Co-Op Community Stadium.
