Abbott Disappointed by Uttoxeter Defeat
Hinckley AFC manager Carl Abbott spoke of his ‘bitter disappointment’ at his side’s performance in the 6-1 defeat by Uttoxeter Town.
Five unanswered second half goals from the visitors saw them take all three points back to Staffordshire, and Abbott said that it was difficult to pick out a reason for Hinckley’s performance.
‘We’re all bitterly disappointed. It’s hard to put our finger on any one thing that’s gone wrong tonight. From start to finish we failed to impose ourselves on the game.
‘I’ve really challenged the lads about their desire, their want, their heart. I think the players in the dressing room genuinely do care, they really do want it, but sometimes you’ve got to go that extra mile when things aren’t going well.
‘It’s alright having all the ability in the world, and being able to play great football, but there are teams like Uttoxeter tonight who won’t let us play. All credit to them, they pressed us extremely hard, and they were all over us. They choked us, and they never let us play.
‘If you don’t earn the right to play, you will never earn a foothold in the game.
‘All credit to Uttoxeter – I thought they were terrific. They did to us what we’ve done to higher level opposition all pre-season. They moved the ball, they played with invention, and we didn’t do anything.’
However, Abbott wants to ensure that there will be no repeat on Saturday, and urged his players to fire again against Pelsall Villa at St John’s Park on Saturday, kick off 3pm.
‘I’m hurting, and the players are hurting. We’ve now got to bounce back and put it right on Saturday. There’s no hiding place.
‘The supporters were out in force again tonight – they were fantastic, and we just haven’t done them justice. It will have to be addressed straight away.’