Pontefract Collieries manager Nick Handley has side’s recent defensive displays as “horrendous”
As Halloween approaches, Nick Handley is demanding a rapid improvement from his Pontefract Collieries defence after a spree of horror shows.
Pontefract are without a win since the end of September and have shipped 18 goals in their last four matches.
The straw what broke the camel’s back for Handley was the performance in the dreadful 5-2 defeat to Retford United in midweek.
Pontefract host Rainworth tomorrow – a month after winning 1-0 in Nottinghamshire and Handley wants to see a similar defensive display from his side.
“We’re conceding goals which is unlike us and the amount of goals we are conceding is getting embarrassing,” said the Colls boss.
“We are conceding far too easily. All five goals on Wednesday night were sloppy and Retford looked like scoring every time they went forward.
“Since I said that we wanted to get some consistency, we have taken a step backwards.
“It is not for want and endeavour because we have changed our shape to try and be more solid.
“It has worked in some and not in others. It is about attitude for me and coming with the will and desire to do well and defend.
“Some of our recent defending has been horrendous. We have to put that right and people in the dressing room have to hold their hands up.
“We went to Rainworth last month and we defended like trojans and that’s the kind of defending I expect from my group of lads.
“We’re too inconsistent at the moment and it is killing us.”
Handley has been busy again in the transfer market this week. Former player Paul Haigh and Shaw Lane Aquaforce midfielder Grant Darley have arrived this week and a centre-half is expected to sign today.
The trio replace the likes of Max Leonard, who recently departed and is now playing for Golcar United in the West Riding County Amateur League.
Handley added: “I can’t stand still because I have worked too hard to get this club in the league so I’m not going to give up now.
“We’re not in a brilliant position and we talked before the Retford game about it being one of the mini-league games where we need to get points from.
“To be getting beat like we did at home in midweek is not good enough.”
Goalkeeper Craig Parry could return for Pontefract tomorrow after a spell out of the team because of a rib injury.