MARK Beesley admits he had no complaints about his side’s opening defeat to Warrington Town on Saturday afternoon.
And now he is focused on ensuring his players learn from the mistakes of their 3-1 defeat to King’s Lynn Town.
The Yellows’ second season in the National League North got off to a difficult start: their only goal was scored by Matty McDonald when the game was already lost 3-0.
Two goals from Linnets striker Gold Omatoyo, who also missed a penalty in the first half, and a strike from Tom Hughes ensured the hosts started on the right foot. Beesley admits that while his team did not come away from the game without positives, they were only the second-best team on the day.
“We went on at the end and got a goal back. Maybe we could have scored another and made it 3-2, but we were beaten by the better team. They were better than us that day,” he said.
“We got off to a great start and should have been 1-0 up – if that goes in, it might be a little different – and overall we created some good chances where we need to do better.
“I can’t complain about the result because they were better than us.
“They were there and I think they’re going to be up there this season. They’re definitely going to be in the top seven.”
Omatoyo’s ninth-minute opener – a close-range header from a corner – was unexpected, but from then on King’s Lynn took control and it was only a brilliant save from goalkeeper Dan Atherton that kept Town in the game until half-time.
However, Hughes was quickest to react to a loose ball in the box and scored the hosts’ second goal just three minutes after half-time. When Omatoyo headed home his second goal just under an hour later, a heavy defeat loomed.
However, McDonald’s goal – a clever finish after substitute Gez Sithole had forced home goalkeeper Paul Jones into an error – at least ensured they were not left without a goal scorer.
Beesley took exception to the award of Omatoyo’s first goal, believing Atherton had been fouled as he attempted to clear a Josh Hmami corner.
“We talked about set pieces before the game and how important they are because they have a big group and good execution,” he said.
“I think Dan committed a foul – nine times out of ten it’s a foul, but he scores a goal. We wobbled a bit and missed a penalty and to be fair to Dan, he made a great save.
“We played well, but when you start the second half like we did, it’s difficult.
“That’s something we have to learn. We have a group of young players and we have to learn that this is not academy football – this is real football and we have to be there all the time.”
“Today we were not and we were punished.
“There are some positives and we must not be too depressed. We still have 45 games to go but it is disappointing to start the season with a defeat.”
