Ollerton Town manager James Humphreys talks about his side’s 4-1 defeat against Wombwell Town in Nottinghamshire and the way forward for the squad
The new manager at Ollerton Town James Humphreys knew that welcoming Wombwell Town to The Lane was always going to be a difficult prospect.
The Northern Counties East League Division One ended 4-1 in favour of The Wellers in what was a tough game for the hosts.
The bottom-of-the-table team were up against it from the start as the third-place visitors' table began strong.
Debut keeper Charlie Preston kept the home side in the mix as he pulled off several excellent saves before one finally got by him.
Wombwell opened their account in the ninth minute thanks to a strike from Jordan Kershaw.
There were flashes of brilliance from the hosts who stayed in the game in the first-half.
Ollerton managed to hold the visitors to just a one-goal lead at the break.
The second-half saw Wombwell go up a gear with Anthony Mackie scoring in the 46th minute before being followed by an Edward Agnew goal in the 52nd which came off a deflection from the spot.
Sam Roebuck returned fire for Ollerton soon after as he hit a beautiful strike from some distance out.
Another penalty was awarded in the 65th minute and the following conversion by Callum Walton sealed Ollerton's fate.
"It was a tough ask," said Ollerton Town manager, James Humphreys.
"They had some good strikers and some other good players.
"We knew that it would be a tough match, we tried to set them up and the first goal was scored due to nativity from us.
"At half-time I was telling the squad not to play too high and we got caught out 30 seconds after the break.
"We also gave away two easy penalties that should not have happened.
"Ultimately, these little mistakes were our downfall but we are looking at strengthening the squad and improving the structure we have in place.
"I think that this will see improvement.
"There have been positives from the last three games.
"We are looking for a good balance of enthusiastic youth and some older heads to steady the team.
"The squad will start to learn lessons and that will minimise mistakes."