Barkingside boss fuming after Abbey loss

Barkingside manager Matt Frew was furious with his side following their 5-0 defeat at home to Waltham Abbey.

On Friday, Frew had been named Ryman North manager of the month following a February that had seen his side win three of their four games.

By 5pm on Saturday, his mood had been soured after seeing his side succumb to their joint-worst result of the season and Frew was not leaving anyone uncertain about how he felt.

“It was probably the worst performance I’ve seen as manager of a Barkingside team. It was dreadful. There was no passion from the players,” said Frew.

“We lacked any kind of effort all over the park. It was such a laboured performance from the players. We gave Waltham Abbey all their goals. It’s becoming a habit, gifting teams silly goals.

“The goals we’ve conceded could have been prevented. The boys are letting themselves down and making it hard for themselves. We’ve conceded 13 goals in three games - that’s not good enough.”

The attitude of some of his players in the defeat also evoked the anger of the ‘Side boss.

“There were a couple of players walking off smiling. People deal with things differently but when I sse that, it doesn’t give off a good message,” added Frew.

The defeat was further compounded by Romford’s 3-1 win against Chatham Town, which sees them remain in the bottom three but pull level with the Cricklefields team on 34 points.

And Frew admits there could be alterations to his side in a bid to motivate his squad ahead of the run-in.

“If I could change all 11 players, I would. But you can’t do that. None of them deserve to play in our next game, but some of them will.

“Some need a kick up the bottom. I may change a few things with the formation and so on but it’s down to the boys.

“They need to fight to stay in the league. I’ve made it clear to the players, most of which can’t be published.”