Hayling boss hoping some ‘soul searching’ will pay dividends in home Hampshire Premier League clash with Liss

Hayling United boss Dan Bishop is hoping ‘some soul searching’ will have the desired effect.
Hayling United boss Dan Bishop. Picture: Chris MoorhouseHayling United boss Dan Bishop. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
Hayling United boss Dan Bishop. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

The Humbugs were tipped by many to do well this season after ending 2019/20 with eight straight Hampshire Premier League wins.

But the weekend 3-2 defeat at Liphook means they have only won one of their opening six Senior Division games.

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Injuries haven’t helped, and neither has the fact skipper Elliott Spencer and left wing-back Josh Elmes missed the Liphook loss through having to self-isolate after coming into contact with someone showing Covid-19 symptoms.

The pair will miss Tuesday’s home league game with second-bottom Liss for the same reason.

‘It’s been tough,’ said Bishop. ‘We haven’t got going yet and if we’re going to continue making silly individual errors we’re going to struggle.

‘You couldn’t coach players to make the mistakes we’ve been making.

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‘There was some soul searching from some of the players over the weekend and let’s see if they can now turn it around.

‘The Liss game will be one between two teams low on confidence, and I can’t see it being a draw.’

Hayling were 3-0 down at Liphook, including an own goal where the ball clipped Dan Clasby’s heel as keeper Chris Clark came out to collect a cross.

As Liphook eased off late on, the Humbugs struck through a fine Joe Boxall effort and sub Dan Goodsell.

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‘Liphook will be kicking themselves,’ said Bishop. ‘They were 3-0 up and it should have been more. Then they sat back and allowed us to come at them.

‘We were tipped to do well and so teams are making it difficult for ourselves. Fair play, they’ve been able to adapt their game - that’s something we haven’t been able to do.’

Like Hayling, Liss have only won one league game so far and were beaten 3-0 at home by Locks Heath at the weekend.