‘Defensive frailties’ to blame for FA Vase exit
Windsor FC: Windsor thumped 5-1 by Wellingborough and Harper makes U-turn
Manager Mark Cooper attributed Windsor's heavy 5-1 defeat to Wellingborough Whitworth in the FA Vase on Saturday to his side’s ‘defensive frailties', something he'll be keen to iron out ahead of this weekend's league clash with Tadley Calleva at Stag Meadow. .
The Royalists crashed out of the competition at the second qualifying round stage, just 24 hours after Cooper had told the club's media, he hoped to take the team 'deep' into the tournament.
That's something previous managers have managed with Windsor but it's not a competition Cooper has had a lot of joy in since joining as manager at the start of last season.
This season they barely got their feet wet as Wellingborough turned on the style to beat them with goals from Matthew Judge, Ryan Lovell (two), Remy Brittain, and Rico Fensom.
Lindell Stewart scored Windsor’s only goal of the afternoon in the 56th minute but it was little more than a consolation.
“It’s been another day where defensively, we got caught short,” said Cooper after the match.
“We’ve had our back four out all season, and that remains the same. We’ve muddled through and had some results which went favourably for us despite the defensive frailties that we’ve had.
“Both centre halves are still injured, our left back is away, and our right back is also unavailable. Sadly, against Wellingborough, this was found out.
“Every time they went forward, they looked like they were going to score. They hugely deserved their win.
“We had a good travelling support and we very much let them down. It was an extremely disappointing and frustrating day.”
Cooper added: “We looked our most dangerous in the first half, but we had a lot of
offside calls when well placed. Ultimately, in the second half we missed a good chance and then the game got away from us.
“I believe we were favourites heading into the game and I think we could’ve applied ourselves much better than we did.”
Saturday's Vase defeat added to recent on and off the field frustrations for Cooper and his team.
Earlier this month they announced the signing of former Reading FC player James Harper, and he even played part of their Berks & Bucks Senior Cup defeat to Ascot United.
However, after an approach from the Yellaman, Harper made a swift U-turn and will be playing his football at the Racecourse Ground, rather than Stag Meadow, this season.
Ascot United revealed on Twitter they had secured Harper’s services last
Friday.
Detailing the timeline of events, Cooper said: “We announced him earlier this month and on the same day, we became aware they (Ascot United) put in an approach.
“They then had seven days where they weren’t allowed to talk to the player but after that was over, James agreed terms and went.
“It is a big source of frustration because we have lost a player that we very keen on using, and one that I worked hard on getting in.
“He’s the third player that’s been with us, and then gone on to join Ascot. Our physio has also done the same. We can’t compete with their resources and it’s like any level of football – if you get a club that come in who make you a better offer, you take it. At this level of football, you don’t have contracts, players don’t sign those. They have freedom of movement. Windsor have signed nearly 40 players this season, but ultimately what they do next is down to them.”