DROITWICH Spa joint-boss Wayne Oliver has urged his players to perform as a team rather than individuals despite moving to the summit of the Midland League Division Two table over the weekend.
First half goals from Aston Gunter and James Lemon fired the Saltmen to a 2-0 victory at struggling Hampton on Saturday to claim their fourth league win in five games.
The result lifted Spa above previous league leaders Alvis Sporting Club who were out of action due to Les James Challenge Cup duties but despite leading the way for the first time this season, Oliver believes his side could come unstuck if they continue to play as individuals.
And with second half chances from Max Crisp, Bradley Burgess, Jack Brighton and Nick Seabourne all going to waste at Hampton, Oliver has called on his players to be more ruthless in front of goal.
He said: “It was a really tough game on Saturday but a good 15 minute spell towards the end of the first half got us a comfortable two-goal cushion.
“In the second half, both teams nulled each other out. We never really threatened their goalkeeper but on a positive note, it was the best defensive performance as a unit I have seen so far this season.
“I was delighted with the victory but we need to be more ruthless in front of goal and we’re not firing correctly at the moment.
“It would be nice to score more goals to take pressure off us in the final 30 minutes of games but the big problem is the players are performing as individuals.
“They need to start playing as a team and adjusting to the new style of play we are trying to employ.”
Spa will look to cement their position at the top of the table on Saturday when they entertain basement side Bloxwich Town who beat the Saltmen 2-1 in the first round of Les James Challenge Cup at the end of August.
Mike Seeley (ankle) and James Halsall (knee) are unavailable but Oliver is boosted by the news midfielder Graham Pardoe came through the full 90 minutes at Hampton following his return from an ankle injury.
“Bloxwich got their first points of the season at the weekend and they will be up for it, especially as they have already beaten us in the cup,” Oliver added.
“We are in for a really tough game but we will be looking for a positive result.
“The squad is improving as the games go by but we need to better for longer periods.”
