Adams calls for realism following big defeat
MANAGER Carl Adams has urged the Stratford Town supporters to show ‘realism’ following his side’s 3-0 defeat to Merthyr on Tuesday night.
Keyon Reffell struck twice as Stratford slumped to a second successive defeat, following Saturday’s 2-1 reverse at title-chasers Chippenham.
The manner of defeat will have concerned some Town supporters, particularly the second half, when Merthyr dominated for long periods.
Adams though, has insisted they must remain realistic about their chances in a league as tough as the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division.
“It’s the sheer realism of the league,” said the Town boss.
“In my opinion, whether everyone likes it or not, we are still very much punching above our weight.
“We’ve lost five games and the teams we’ve lost to are Leamington, Redditch, Merthyr, Chippenham and Weymouth.
“Nine times out of ten those teams will beat us.
“The club is growing on and off the pitch and we need to keep things level headed.
“We have just played Merthyr, who have turned up on Cardiff City’s first-team coach. They are spending a hell of a lot more money than we are.
“They get crowds of between 500 and 700 and they are a bigger and better club.
“That’s the realism of where we are and we cannot get down when we lose to these types of sides.
“The time I will get down is when we lose to St Ives, Cambridge City, Frome, Cinderford, Cirencester... That’s when you can come to me and say ‘what’s going on?”
Tuesday’s defeat sees Stratford drop to 12th in the table, although they can move up as high as ninth if they can beat King’s Lynn at the DCS this Saturday.
But they will go into that game without the services of Dan Summerfield, after the right-back limped off against his former club on Tuesday night with a hamstring injury.
Simeon Tulloch also picked up a knock against Merthyr, but he is expected to make a full recovery in time for King’s Lynn.
The Linnets have won just one of their last six, their last success coming against Chippenham on 24th September.
