Lee Bullock: Post-Match Reaction – Emley (h)

The first team coach offered his thoughts on our first league defeat of the year.

First Team Coach Lee Bullock says defeat at the hands of play-off chasing Emley should come as a learning curve for the newly-promoted Redcar Athletic.

The Steelmen were previously unbeaten in all completions, but were punished for lackadaisical finishing with a first half double.

Jack Cowgill notched Emley’s first – nodding home from a set piece delivery – before Manasse Malamba found the target from deep in the midfield.

Adam Boyes, Bradley Fewster and Oscar Fletcher all missed key opportunities, much to the disappointment of former Cardiff City and Bradford man, Lee Bullock.

The first team coach said such a defeat has its teaching merits, opening his Steelmen’s eyes to what he labelled a tough division.

“It was a big learning curve for us as a football club.” He said.

“We’ve stepped up a level, and we’ve just been shown what it’s all about to go up against one of the top teams.

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“They’ve scored from a set piece, the big lad from midfield has fired a shot in the top corner. Other than that, they’ve not really threatened us, but they haven’t needed to.

“They were big, strong and well-organised.

“We played some really good football. We created some excellent chances, five or six I’d say, but unfortunately we haven’t hit the back of the net.

“They’ve had three opportunities in the first half and scored two.

“We’re not downhearted by it, we’re disappointed, but we’ve just been shown a good lesson on what this level is all about. 

“The lads never looked out of their depth. They gave a good account of themselves. If we got one back, I think it would’ve been really interesting.

“Again, it’s all about learning. Back in the Northern League, we probably get away with it, but against an outfit like Emley, you get punished. 

“They’ve gone away most likely over the moon with their three points.”

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