March coach says returning faces can boost side after back-to-back league defeats in the United Counties League Premier Division South
March Town coach Scott Callaghan says several returning faces can be the boost his side needs after another disappointing showing in the UCL Premier Division South.
The Hares suffered back-to-back league defeats for the first time this season with a 3-1 reverse at AFC Hinckley on Saturday.
Ash Taylor’s side, who are now fourth and 12 points off joint-leaders St Neots Town and Aylestone Park, start a run of four home games on the trot before Christmas when they entertain struggling Bugbrooke St Michaels on Saturday.
March were without Jack Withers and Ben Seymour-shove in Leicestershire while Harry Edwards and Jay Whyatt are both set to return home from America soon.
"It will be a big boost," admitted Callaghan after the club's latest setback.
"You look at today we had four subs. We were missing Withers, Sheva has still got to come back and Luis Cowie is out on loan so for us as a management team it really does boost us.
"When the players put in performances like they did today, they can't come to us that they should be starting because, after today's performance and the last couple of weeks, we've been nowhere near it.
"It's good for us that they are coming back and they will be back involved with the squad again and there will be difficult decisions to be made but that's why you have a squad and if players are not playing like they should be then they will be dropped."
The Hares led 1-0 at the break through Craig Gillies’ 13th goal of the season in the first minute.
But Leo Ferruch levelled for newly-promoted Athletic halfway through the second period and two minutes later Bryan Kohyrelon made it 2-1 to the home side.
A second for Kohyrelon secured the win.
Callaghan summed up an inept March display by saying: "Frustrated, disappointed, lacklustre, no fight, no grit and no determination.
"It was just another bad day at the office and we need to find a solution quickly as we are on a bit of a bad run now.
"There was a lack of fight and determination and a willingness to defend and put our bodies on the line.
"When it's cold and rainy and you are away from home you've just got to get on with it and make yourselves hard to beat. We weren't today and conceded another three goals.
"I'm not using the weather as an excuse because it's an unbelievable surface and great facilities at Hinckley with a 4G and if anything we should be able to move the ball quicker and speed the game up."
Callaghan hopes the fans will continue to support the team going forward.
"Those that travelled today didn't deserve what we gave them and when you are not winning football games it's hard to attract the fans.
"We need them behind us more than ever now with these home games coming up."
Saturday's defeat came on the back of a last-gasp 3-2 victory over Whittlesey Athletic in the Hinchingbrooke Cup as the reigning holders booked their spot in the semi-finals.
Skipper Craig Gilles put the Hares in front, only for Whittesley to redress the balance before Ben Tait gave March a 2-1 lead going into the break.
The battling home outfit levelled matters for a second time but Harvey Henderson - a recent acquisition from Grantham Town - had the final say to send the Hares into the last four.
"We scraped through," admitted Callaghan.
"After going ahead and getting control of the game, all 11 players then drop off, allowing Whittlesey back into the game and then we're relying on a last-minute header to get through."
March Town v AFC Hinckley: Gill, Saunders (Green), Brumby, Henderson (Burrows), Emmington, Foy, Cotton, Tait, Gillies, Allen (Biggs), Williams (Escorcio). Sub (not used): Pepper.
Attendance: 67.
