MANAGER Danny Janes accepts the pressure is on his FC Stratford players to secure three points on Saturday after suffering a last-gasp defeat to the team he rates as title favourites.
Stratford had led Studley at half-time at the Home Guard Club in Tiddington in last weekend’s Hellenic League Division One clash after the returning Tom Parnaby netted.
But Studley responded with two goals from Dan Murphy. the winner coming seconds from time.
It denied Stratford the chance to go top of the table, with Clanfield still in first place on goal difference while Studley climb to fourth, four points behind with a game in hand.
Janes had no complaints with the result but says they need to bounce back on Saturday when they entertain Malmesbury Vics.
“Next week is now a must win game for us, all pressure is now on us,” he said.
But Janes and his players will take plenty of positives from how they tested Studley all the way.
“I am so proud of the players for the way they competed and pushed Studley right up until the last kick of the game. Despite not being at our best, every player worked so hard and we had to soak up a lot of pressure,” said Janes.
“On reflection, I felt Studley deserved to win the game. They created more chances and we rode our luck at times, Second half we didn’t really ask any questions and we lacked that bit of quality in possession.
“I am disappointed with the goals conceded, the first is a free header from a corner despite the players being told who they would mark. The second goal was again a lack of awareness to check shoulders and pick up players, for me, the manner of the goals is more disappointing than the result.
“The players were absolutely gutted in the changing rooms after the game. It just shows how far we have come and what a great set of players we have.
“We have pushed a team all the way who are the favourites to win the league.”
