FRUSTRATED City boss Tim Harris has challenged his side to be more resolute and competitive and arrest the club’s up and down form.
Speaking ahead of the visit to Bewdley Town on Saturday (March 26), the experienced gaffer said the 2-0 defeat in the Black Country to Lye was as ‘poor as it’s been’ this season.
Goals from Ben Billingham and Jordan Davies condemned City to their tenth defeat of the campaign and left them 12 points behind Boldmere St Michaels in second with just 21 points left to play for.
With promotion looking all but over, the City boss has reflected on the campaign and his sides post- Christmas form and laid down the gauntlet to his players.
“I have reflected on the past month or two where we have stumbled to find any real consistency,” he said.
“Saturday’s display at Lye Town was as poor as it’s been and there can be absolutely no excuses.
“The support the team has received this season has been absolutely superb and some of our football at times has been top drawer.
“Whilst we strive to play attractive and good football there are games and certain times where we need to be more resolute and competitive, far more than we have of late.
“We certainly need to get back to showing our loyal supporters the talent we have in this squad and finish the season as high as possible,” Harris added.
A scrappy start at Lye saw the hosts take the lead after 22 minutes when a nice move on the edge of the box found Billingham with space and his low drive crept past Adam Harrison in the City goal.
Lye then almost doubled their lead just before halftime as a deep, arching cross surprised Harrison and bounced away off the top of the crossbar.
A double change at the break saw City become more involved in the game but with nothing to show for their efforts.
Lye then doubled their lead in the closing stages and secured the league double over City when a long ball wasn’t dealt with at the back and Davies broke clear, stayed calm and rounded Harrison to finish from a narrow angle.
Saturday’s clash with Bewdley kicks off at 3pm.