Gosport boss Shaun Gale on Southern League loss at Met Police: It was the manner of the defeat that hurt

Gosport sub Jordan Ragguette, right, looks to put in a tackle during his side's loss at Met Police. Pic: Tom Phillips.

Borough, hoping to bounce back after two successive defeats, were well beaten in the end at Imber Court.

But Gale felt there were extenuating circumstances.

The side went into the game minus the experience of Mike Carter, Jordan Rose and Nicky Bailey.

Bradley Tarbuck in possession during Gosport's 3-1 loss at Met Police. Picture: Tom Phillips.

In addition, Theo Lewis could only make the bench after injury problems and Elliott Charles had left due to the travelling involved from his London home.

'In respect to have we have played, this was disappointing,' said Gale.

'It was our worst so far.

'We huffed and puffed but didn't really play very well.

'There were a number of senior players missing and it showed.

‘It is always disappointing to lose games but it was the manner of the defeat that hurt.

'For the first time this season we didn't possess the energy of other games.

'Hopefully it was just one of those days.

Met Police seized the initiative with an 11th-minute goal from Jack Mazzone.

Borough goalkeeper Pat O'Faherty kept his side in it with a fine save to keep out a header from a free-kick.

When Borough fell further behind on the stroke of half-time, it was contentious.

'They sent in a free-kick that bounced off the inside of the post into our goalkeeper's hands,' said Gale.

'The assistant from 70 yards away gave a goal.

'My goalkeeper and players were convinced it didn't go anywhere near the line.

'To concede at that point was a big blow.'

Borough hauled themselves back into the game five minutes after the break.

A Rory Williams corner was flicked on by Matt Paterson and Dan Wooden scrambled the ball in.

On 75 minutes Bradley Tarbuck saw his 30-yard shot bounce off the upright.

With Borough pushing forward late on, Met Police sealed their win with a third goal.

'We are not going to change our approach,' said Gale.

'Our budget has been brought down to a sensible level and it is a question of getting the right blend between youngsters and our more experienced players.

'The youngsters are still learning their game.

'When some of the experienced players are missing around you, then it can be a painful process.

'We have a free week now to work on things ahead of our next game.'

Borough will look to get back to winning ways against Harrow Borough at Privett Park on Saturday.

Gosport Borough: O'Flaherty, Kavanagh, Woodford, Casey, Williams, Storey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, McCreadie, Tarbuck, Suraci (Ragguette, 71), Wooden (Lewis, 85).