We lacked energy, admits Baker who calls for positive response

LEEK Town manager Neil Baker admitted he was disappointed with the way in which his side surrendered their 100 per cent start to the season.

Blues had gone eight games unbeaten ahead of Saturday’s Betvictor South East Division match at Cleethorpes Town, but they suffered a 2-1 defeat, the first loss of the season for the Harrison Park outfit.

Rob Stevenson had given Leek the ideal start with a goal after just 12 minutes, but the home side were level right on the stroke of half-time through Scott Vernnon.

Brody Robertson got the all-important winner for Cleethorpes in the 78th minute and although Blues pushed forward looking for an equaliser, it never arrived.

Baker admitted the best side won, but felt his players never got going.

“No complaints about the result, Cleethorpes were the better side on the day. What did disappoint me was our performance, we never got going, in fact we looked lethargic at times,” said the manager who belives a little tiredness had crept in.

He explained: “We had a really difficult game on the Tuesday night at home to Ilkeston and I think that took more out of the players than I realised. On Saturday we had a three-hour coach journey, which the players are not used to and I think a combination of the two contributed to our poor performance. Having said that, I still think we could have come away with a point. We had enough chances, but couldn’t put them away,” he reflected.

Baker was also disappointed with both Cleethorpes goals. “We made two mistakes for their goals, which is not like us. The players just seemed to switch off and again I can only put that down to the fact they didn’t appear to be on their games, there was no energy.”

Baker went into the game having to make changes following injuries, with Jessy Bavanganga coming into defence in place of the injured Josh Agbozo, but he only lasted for 28 minutes before he had to be replaced by Harry Goode following injury. Scorer Stevenson also went off on the CHEADLE Running Club fielded an impressive turnout at Sunday’s St Thomas 7 road race in Tean - with eleven members competing and other members helping by marshalling at the race.

The seven-mile course follows a challenging terrain taking in Freehay and Great Gate.

Charlie Cox finished in eighth place

hour mark after he injured his back when falling awkwardly.

“Rob felt spasms in his back after trying to carry on, so we had to bring him off. Chris Baker started the game, although he wasn’t fully fit having suffered a dead-leg on the Tuesday night, and had to be replaced, so those changes didn’t help the continuity.”

Blues were due to have played Runcorn Linnets last night in an Integro League Cup game at Harrison Park, out of the 181 competitors in a time of 44.31 and won the MV40 prize, narrowly beating the in-form Gareth Knapper who clocked 44.35 in ninth place. Ruth Watchorn-rice was the first LV50 in 51.53, while Russell Williams was first in North Staffs Road Runners Group E in 53.51. Chris Scullion also marked his return to racing with an impressive time of 52.06.

but all scheduled cup matches involving teams still in the FA Cup had their matches postponed ahead of Saturday’s ties. Baker says it’s something of a blessing in disguise.

“I was looking forward to the Runcorn game, because there are one of two players who need game time and that’s what I was going to do. But, having suffered so many injuries over the past week, it’s maybe a good thing the game is off, it will give those with a few bumps and bruises Other club members who completed the race were Lucy Ruscoe 61.55, Victoria Mccrea 67.15, Jenni Alcock 67.28, Judith Gibson 72.46, and Gemma Osborne 82.51.

Pictured from left are: Victoria Mccrea, Russell Williams, Charlie Cox, Lucy Ruscoe, Ruth Watchornrice and Chris Sutton.

an extra few days to rest up.” Leek hit the road again on Saturday for another long trip, this time into Lincolnshire for a meeting with Boston Town in the FA Cup.

The Tattershall Road outfit didn’t have the luxury of their United Counties League Knockout Cup match being called off last night and they faced a trip to take on Melton Town, and Baker had someone at the game taking a look at the set-up.

Leek have beaten AFC

Wulfrunians (1-0) and Whitchurch Alport (2-0) so far in the competition which has banked the club almost £8,000 and there is another £6,750 for Saturday’s winners.

Baker says he’ll be looking for another win and added: “It’s a great competition to be in. We need a positive result to bounce back from Saturday’s disappointing defeat.”

Saturday’s game is followed by a trip to Stocksbridge Park Steels next Tuesday night (7.45pm).