BARNT Green Spartak boss GJ Singh bemoaned the lack of defending from set pieces as the reason behind their 4-1 defeat to Coton Green on Saturday.
Singh’s side saw their five-game winning streak in all competitions come to an end at New Mill Lane as goals from Andrew Millan (2), Bobbie Grayson and Fortune Sibanda secured the win for Rob Masefield’s Green outfit.
Joe Sims got on the scoresheet for Spartak who were missing the majority of their new signings but Singh has put the defeat down to the inability to defend from set pieces.
He said: “It was a poor result for us and its well documented that we had players missing but the 11 players I put out on Saturday was a similar side to what I had last season.
“Three of the goals come from set pieces and one of my pet hates is conceding from set pieces.
“The players did not take up their responsibilities but I cannot criticise them too much as they have to respond.
“If we go on to win our next five games this defeat will soon be forgotten.”
Spartak will look to return to winning ways on Saturday when they entertain West Midlands (Regional) League Division One outfit Wrens Nest at Highgate United’s Coppice Ground in the first round of the Birmingham FA Saturday Vase.
Goalkeeper Raghban Ali makes a return along with Darren Green, Nathaniel Hare, Stefan Gordon and Jacob Snape while James Ward is also expected to feature this weekend after completing a move from Droitwich Spa.
“I have never met Wrens Nest before so it’s something new for me but this cup is the lowest down in my priority list,” Singh added.
“But we need to go on a winning run so I’ll be wanting to progress, the worst thing you can do in football is lose two or three games on the bounce as it will lower the confidence levels.
“I’ll be rotating the squad for the game and it will give those players the chance to fight for a shirt for the game at Fairfield Villa next week.”
