‘We looked a bit flat’ – Moneyfields boss reacts to opening Southern League loss at Cinderford

George Barker, pictured in action for Gosport last season, netted on his Moneyfields league debut at Cinderford. Picture: Duncan Shepherd

Dave Carter's side struggled on the road last season - losing 10 of their 13 away league games - and that continued in the Forest of Dean.

'Cinderford is not one of our happiest hunting grounds,' said Carter.

'It is disappointing because I wanted to start the season by putting points on the board.

'We arrived in plenty of time so we can't blame that for our defeat.

'Too many players had an off day and we looked a bit flat.

'We didn't up our tempo until we were two goals down and that is frustrating.

'Overall I felt we did enough to deserve a draw but not enough to win it.'

The visitors were almost caught napping after two minutes when the home side sent a header against the bar from a corner.

Returning goalkeeper Jake Hallet was also forced to save from Zak Drew.

In an evenly-fought first half, Moneyfields also had their chances.

George Barker saw his powerful drive saved and on the half hour mark Steve Hutchings headed against the crossbar from a corner.

It was the home side that snatched the lead before half-time through Zak Drew, who later doubled the advantage.

'In the first half we had lots of possession but in the wrong areas,' said Carter.

'Then we gave the ball away in central midfield and Cinderford broke to score their goal.

'We changed things at half-time and looked to go out all guns blazing.

'Instead we failed to clear our lines properly and they scored with a shot from the edge of our area.

'It was a big uphill battle after that.'

Barker gave Moneyfields a lifeline on 61 minutes, after combining well with Hutchings and sub Marley Ridge, to break through and score in the corner.

'In the last half hour we were in control but our final ball let us down,' said Carter.

'We had a number of chances but none of them were clear cut.

'It was one of those days when things didn't go our way.

'Cinderford could easily have gone down to ten men in the first half when Hutchings was pulled back.

'Even their manager admitted they were lucky to get away with that.'

Moneyfields: Hallett; Bailey, Da Costa, Pearce (Sanders), Lafleur, Dinsmore (Ridge), Raine, Fennemore (Briggs), Barker, Hutchings, Roberts.

Moneyfields are next in action at Aylesbury United in the FA Cup first qualifying round on Tuesday.

The Ducks began their Southern League Central Division 1 season with a 1-0 victory at Corby.

Moneyfields failed to find a cure for their travel sickness, slipping to a 2-1 defeat in their opening Southern League Division One South contest at Cinderford Town.