After three defeats against Gresley,Tividale and Spalding the proverbial clear the air chat was needed before Newcastle bowled into Ashby Avenue on Saturday.

It became evident that after such a good performance in a big game at home to Gresley where we did everything that was asked of us, a horrible hangover followed.

We deserved to beat Gresley but we were shattered going into Tividale. As much as Sam and I plus Chris and Mark tried to fire the boys up you could just see the disappointment still there of a missed opportunity.

A few choice words were said and we felt that a local derby against Spalding would be the ideal game to bounce back.

We worked hard but individual errors cost us and we just seemed to be how we were at the start of the season.

Newcastle on Saturday was more like us,high tempo resolute and hungry.

We had more leaders on the pitch and a desire not to get beat. 1-1 was a fair result and both teams hit the woodwork to win the game.

We want to finish the season on a high and with champions elect Mickleover coming to town this Saturday we want to make sure they don't win it on our patch.

We then have a small matter of Leek away to finish so it will give us a good indication of where we need to be in the summer in terms of recruitment.

We have improved massively since this time last season where relegation was a real possibility so a lot of credit goes to this talented squad.

Regards

Gaffer