Garforth Town manager Adrian Costello (centre) with chairman Brian Close (left) and director Craig Bannister (right). Picture: Chris Mather
Adrian Costello is urging Garforth Town to defend from the front to plug the leaks at the back.
The Miners have conceded ten goals in three Toolstation NCEL Premier Division matches so it is an area of concern for Costello.
Their defensive woes were at the forefront of the 3-2 defeat to struggling Parkgate in midweek – a match that Garforth were winning at half-time.
“We are scoring two or three a game, but conceding three or four,” he said.
“For love nor money we can’t keep a clean sheet at the moment.
“We have been on the training ground and we are working on it. We need improve.
“We have brought in Mick Jones who has played well against Rainworth and Parkgate.
“Him and Dane Winn are a good partnership, but when we talk about defence you always look at the back four.
“However, defence starts higher up. Parkgate were picking the ball up in their own half and walking ten or 15 yards before we decided to put any pressure on the ball.
“Midfielders have to defend, forwards have to defend. Everyone has to defend.
“At half-time against Parkgate I thought we had done alright and it was a good performance.
“We said go out for the second half and don’t do anything stupid in the first ten minutes.
“We conceded a ridiculous goal from a throw-in and a cross and twice we got caught from that because we didn’t put any pressure on the ball.
“It was disappointing, but we go again tomorrow.”
A pitch inspection for early Saturday morning for the visit of Barton Town Old Boys, but if the match does go ahead, Costello will be joined in the dugout by Rob Hunter for the third time.
Former Glasshoughton boss Hunter was named as Costello’s assistant last month.
The Miners boss added: “Rob brings an incredible amount of knowledge about this level of football.
“He knows people, players and knows the way Non League football operates and works.
“He’s always constantly talking to other managers and players.
“It is working out well with him.”