MIKE Fowler insists Redditch United must stop conceding at key times in games following an FA Trophy defeat against Gainsborough Trinity.
The Reds conceded less than a minute after taking the lead against Trinity at the Valley Stadium as United suffered a 2-1 defeat in the first round tie.
Despite the defeat, Fowler praised the efforts of his young squad with the Reds missing a number of senior players through injury.
Fowler said: “The performance looked like what you would expect from a team that are depleted. No excuses.
“In terms of what we delivered, was it as good as what we’ve produced recently? Absolutely not.
“The performance looked like the team we had out. Patched up.
“It’s very indicative of what’s happened this season. Conceding at key times in games.
“I’m pleased with certain parts and some individual performances but there’s bits that I really didn’t like.
“We need to get a couple more [players] back. The longer it goes on, the more stretched we are and the more difficult getting those wins becomes.
“Mentally and physically, the toll that’s being put on the players that have managed to stay fit is tough.
“We need to think about the bigger picture and these boys have got nothing left to give, they’re spent. They need some credit for that.
“The boys have gone all-in for the last five or six weeks and been superb.”
After a goalless first half, the Reds broke the deadlock early in the second period as Fabian Reynolds left two defenders on the floor before cutting the ball back to Loughlan who applied the finish.
However, Gainsborough equalised less than a minute later when Lewis Butroid found the top left corner from the edge of the penalty area.
And Trinity turned the game on its head nine minutes from time as Sisa Tuntulwana raced in on goal and finished through the legs of Tyrese Warmington.
Redditch are next in action against Barwell on Saturday, November 1 with kick-off at 3pm at Kirkby Road.
