Photo courtesy of Fin Hall
AFC TOTTON centre-back Luke Hallett admitted his side must be more ruthless in both boxes after a frustrating 2–0 defeat away at Hemel Hempstead Town.
Reflecting on the result, Hallett was clear in his assessment.
“Disappointed,” he said. “I felt like we were in the game for large periods. We had our fair share of possession and we created chances, but we’re just falling short of taking them. At the other end, we concede two goals that, from our point of view, are avoidable, and that’s not good enough.”
The hosts took the lead through a well-taken finish, but Hallett felt it stemmed from a lapse in concentration.
“The first goal is sloppy from us, even if it’s a good finish,” he explained. “And the second one comes from a second ball in and around the area, we’ve got to be tighter, more aggressive. Those are the moments that decide games.”
The opening stages saw a physical battle unfold, with both sides opting for a direct approach, something the centre-half was prepared for.
“We knew exactly what they’d bring,” he said. “They’ve got a strong number nine, and their plan is to get the ball up to him quickly. I actually enjoy those battles; to be honest, it suits me. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if you don’t get the result.”
Despite the defeat, The Stags once again created opportunities, a trend that is becoming increasingly frustrating for the squad.
“It’s got beyond the stage now of saying, ‘at least we’re creating chances,’” Hallett admitted. “We’ve been doing that all season. We need to start taking them. I had a header myself, straight at the keeper, and it’s got to go in. It’s not just on the strikers, it’s on all of us. We all need to contribute.”
The defender believes a collective responsibility is key to turning performances into results.
“If everyone chips in with goals, it takes pressure off the forwards and allows them to play with more freedom,” he said. “At the moment, we’re just not being clinical enough.”
The mood in the dressing room reflected the disappointment, particularly with the team’s struggles away from home.
“Everyone’s frustrated,” he added. “We know our away form hasn’t been good enough, and it’s hard to put a finger on why. We prepare the same way every week, we’re up for it, but it’s something we need to fix, and quickly.”
With the season entering its final stretch, Luke is calling for unity and a strong finish.
“We’ve got to stick together now,” he said. “Put in the right shift every game, and make sure we end the season as strongly as we can.”
The Stags will look for an immediate response in their next away fixture on Tuesday night.
