Needham Market boss Kevin Horlock proud of display in defeat at Scunthorpe United ahead of big home test against Warrington Town
Needham Market manager Kevin Horlock 'couldn't fault' his side despite a 2-0 defeat at second-placed Scunthorpe United on Tuesday night that sent them back to the foot of the Vanarama National League North table.
The Marketmen had travelled up to Lincolnshire after an impressive last-gasp 3-2 comeback win at Alfreton Town on Saturday, in which three goals in the space of 12 minutes saw Tommy Smith, Liam Cross and Reggie Lambe - in the third minute of stoppage time - overturn a 2-0 deficit to lift them off the foot of the table.
But they were always up against adding more to their points total when a fourth-minute goal from Kian Scales went in at Glanford Park.
And a 70th-minute red card for Luke Ingram made it an even more uphill task before a late Callum Roberts goal sealed three points for the former EFL Irons.
"I think circumstances and the first goal killed us,” said Horlock, speaking to club media officer Drew Kendall.
“We came with a game plan and it sort of went out the window, but I can't fault the lads.
“I thought they worked their socks off without creating too much, but in saying that, I don't think Blunks (Josh Blunkell) had a shot to save first half, other than obviously the goal they got.
“We were in the game and then we were going to throw bodies forward and then the red card took that away from us.
“It was a difficult one in terms of creating chances tonight, being on the back foot early on, but we grew into the game, stepped on and asked a few questions."
He added: "I don't think anyone gives us a chance here tonight, apart from ourselves.
“We gave a good account of ourselves in terms of work-rate and, at times, quality, but not enough in the final third.
“Our season lies ahead in terms of getting out of the trouble we're in and us playing the teams that are around us at home, which is coming up. February is a massive month."
It begins with the visit of the side they are looking to catch, 20th-placed Warrington on Saturday (3pm) with Needham just three points off that last safe spot with a game in hand on the Cheshire outfit. A rearranged trip to fifth-placed Brackley Town then follows on Tuesday (7.45pm).
Assessing the challenge of their upcoming fixtures, Horlock said: "It's about capitalising on that (performance) and getting them elusive wins.
“Obviously, winning at Alfreton was massive for us. Tonight was a little bit of a gimme when no one gives us a chance, but on another night, we possibly could have got something from it.
“But the home games against Warrington and other teams down in and around us is what's going to define our season, so the lads will be ready and up for it. And it's about moving forward from this point and trying to get points on the board."
Meanwhile, it has been revealed this season's Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup Final will be played on Wednesday, April 9 (7.45pm) at a venue to be determined following the semi-finals.
Four-in-a-row holders Needham take on Felixstowe & Walton United at Ipswich Wanderers FC’s GBS Stadium on Wednesday, March 5 (7.45pm).
