Newark & Sherwood lose 3-1 at home to AFC Mansfield in United Counties League Premier Division North

Not even the unexpected availability of striker Liam Moran could inspire Newark & Sherwood at the weekend.

Moran was set to be back with Carlton on Saturday but when their game was postponed, he was free to play for the Highwaymen.

He was named in the starting XI against AFC Mansfield and all looked well when top scorer Kieran Cummings fired them into an early lead.

But a poor performance was punished by the visitors, who ran out 3-1 winners.

“We just didn’t turn up,” said manager Newark & Sherwood boss Romaine Graham.

“We knew they’d be up for it because when we played them at their place it was a feisty game and we came out with three points.

“They just wanted it more. They were good and we were bad.

“We took the lead, to be fair, but throughout the course of the first half, they started to turn the screw.

“They were playing at a higher intensity than us, there was more to bite to their tackles.

“I’ve watched the footage back and it’s not great at all.”

Newark & Sherwood might have got back into the game at 2-1 down but for a poor offside call against Luke White.

He was a good couple of yards onside from Marley Fearon’s pass when the assistant referee’s flag went up.

“It was an awful decision,” said Graham. “Honestly, I couldn’t believe it.

“Marley’s played a great ball into Whitey, who’s gone through, and the lino’s given it offside. It’s not even close.

“We’ve had a few decisions go against us lately but we’ve got to create our own luck.

“When you’re in a poor run of form and things aren’t going your way, it’s difficult.”

Graham was pleased to have Moran available at short notice although it meant young Dior Anderson missed out.

He added: “Carlton’s game was off, so I made the call.

“When Liam’s available, I have to get him in.

“He was our top scorer last season, and one of the better players when he’s with us.

“I had to leave Dior out, bless him, but he’s a young lad and he understood.”

New signing, winger Tyler Dacres, came off the bench after signing from Basford United on a three-month loan.

He’s a player well capable of helping the Highwaymen push up the United Counties League Premier Division North table.

“He hadn’t trained with us, which is why he didn’t start,” said Graham, whose side are ninth.

“He was really sharp, so he’ll probably get the nod this weekend.

“He likes to beat his man, he can go on either foot, and he’s a really confident finisher.

“Hopefully he’ll give us more energy because we’re just lacking at the minute in forward areas.”