Newark Town manager Luke Parsons says consistency is key for winger Josh Randall following FA Vase hat-trick

Manager Luke Parsons is aiming to get consistency from FA Vase hat-trick man Josh Randall this season.

Randall’s first-half treble helped the Blues beat AFC Mansfield 4-3 in the first qualifying round last weekend.

He’s a big threat on his day and it’s a case of bringing the best out of him on a regular basis.

“He’s a really good player,” said Parsons, whose side were due to host Harrowby in United Counties Premier Division North tonight.

“Sometimes he doesn’t believe in himself.

“There’s things he’s got to improve on but we’re seeing small steps in his development.

“On his day, no one can live with him.

“It’s about trying to get more consistency in those performances on a more regular basis.

“Wingers are very hit and miss. Some days they’re unplayable and others they may as well not be on the pitch.

“Hopefully this year we can get more games where he’s unplayable rather than not being on the pitch.”

Newark briefly trailed AFC Mansfield, with Randall’s hat-trick and a Ryan Rushen goal opening up a 4-1 lead by half-time.

They let their opponents back into the game and it took an injury-time save from Josh Wilson to deny the visitors a leveller.

“We were exceptional in the first half,” said Parsons.

“We didn’t let ourselves down, because we still won the game, but we let them back into it in the second half.

“They had nothing to lose but overall I thought we were really good and good value for the win.

“I said at half-time don’t think the game’s won.

“I said it might fizzle out, be a nothing second half and it’s a straightforward win, or we give a goal away, they get their tails up and it’s backs to the wall, which it definitely was.

“Josh has redeemed himself with his save at the end.

“He was at fault for the third goal but he made it for it.

“It shows character. Some keepers could have folded and felt sorry for themselves but he didn’t.

“He put himself in that position right at the end where he’s made himself big and made a quality save.”

Newark visit Eastwood in the league on Saturday (3pm).

It comes just a fortnight on from their first meeting, which the Blues lost 4-2, that first fixture having been brought forward.

“They’re a very good side,” said Parsons.

“There’s certain areas we can improve in, maybe a few tactical tweaks, but it’s always difficult when you play a team so close.

“On the flipside, they’re fresh in our minds.”