Colin Stromsoy’s Team Northumbria learnt a ‘sobering’ lesson this weekend after dominating in a 2-0 loss away to Ashington.
A free kick and a penalty were the downfall of Stromsoy’s TN in their first Northern League game of the season, despite what was a commendable performance.
“We dominated the game, absolutely dominated the game,” said Stromsoy.
“Ashington never once played out from the back, they just hit their big man and played off him and they were very effective at it in that sense.
“But there was nothing about their game that we couldn’t deal with offensively, hence the fact that we’ve not conceded in open play.
“The truth is, defensively I was very pleased. Also I was very pleased with our structure in possession, but we didn’t score and we created numerous chances.
“That’s the fact, that’s the real story, that’s the area we’ve got to really work hard on.
“Whilst refereeing decisions have undoubtedly cost us, at the same time we can’t hide from the fact that offensively we need to be much better, we have not scored in the last two games.”
The TN manager felt the officials had made some questionable decisions, refusing to award a clear penalty to the Northumbria lads after a hand ball.
However, he praised the performance given against unfavourable odds and dubious decision making.
“I was very pleased with the guys over all, they all put in a good performance,” Stromsoy continued.
“We’ve not conceded anything from open play in the last two games, that’s something we can build on.
“The execution of the game plan was excellent and anybody at that game knows, at the end of the day we’ve dominated the game but we’ve lost, and that’s a sobering lesson.”
Team Northumbria take on Billingham Synthonia in their first home game of the Northern League 1 season this Wednesday.
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