Wisbech St Mary boss reflects on fine margins after defeat
Manager Paul Hunt reflected on the fine margins between winning and losing after his Wisbech St Mary side went down to a 3-0 home defeat to Norwich CBS this afternoon.
With just five games remaining it is seeming increasingly likely that Saints will complete the 30-game Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League First Division North season without recording a single win - but it won't be through lack of effort.
He said: "Every game you go into you want to win, but there's no huge pressure. I cannot be unhappy with the performances at the moment. This is a long-term project and I want to build something here that the club is proud of."
Hunt took over after an 11-0 drubbing at CBS back in October - this afternoon the teams were much more evenly matched.
He added: "The game was even for long periods. In the first half there was one mistake which they got the goal from and apart from that it was very close. I was really pleased with the lads at half time with their application and hard work and the shape we held.
"It was an enjoyable game, we had a go at the end when 1-0 down, pushed extra forwards on to go for the equaliser and even go for the win, and that left the back door open for their other two goals.
"We seem to be stuck in a bit of a loop at the moment and it is up to us to try to break that. We are having long periods of games where we are playing really well and having good chances but not making the most of them, and then they the opposition make the most of the one or two they get. And that's where the game changes.
"We have done a lot of work in training around the back four and midfield to try to be secure and I think the one area where we are not quite doing it at the moment is further forward, where we are not making those last couple of decisions to unlock a player, get someone running or get a shot at goal.
"CBS are a good side, they have good players and a good management team and it was enjoyable to play against them. Just disappointing to lose because of those fine margins."
Hunt walked on to the pitch at the end to confront referee Jason Ketteringham, whose decisions all afternoon had irked the Saints supporters.
The manager said: "I don't tend to speak to refs but what disappointed me was he was quite harsh with a couple of my players, pointing in their chests, but for similar offences on the other side he was giving them a pat on the back and being matey.
"I don't agree with that. Refs should have the same manner on the pitch with both teams. He booked Michael Chow after he had pulled out of a challenge. When I asked about it, the ref confirmed Chowy did pull out, but said there was intent. He pulled out, so how was there intent?
"The worst challenge was when Nick Castallan was in the corner and a CBS player came through the back of him, and he wasn't carded, so I didn't understand.
"I don't think his decisions changed the game but to treat teams differently was very disappointing."
It's promotion challengers Downham Town at home for Saints next Saturday, before a trip to 12th place Huntingdon Town the following weekend. On Wednesday, March 30, they entertain local rivals Parson Drove, before a trip to fellow strugglers Debenham LC on April 2, finishing the season at home to 11th place Peterborough North End on April 9.
