Steve Simpkin blasts wasteful Reserves in the wake of Cleveland defeat

Match Reaction: Cleveland FC 3-0 Redcar Athletic Reserves

Redcar Athletic Reserves boss Steve Simpkin proved frustrated by poor finishing, as his side were punished by a clinical Cleveland FC.

Blunt in the face of goal, the Steelmen’s Reserves played into their own downfall with a cacophony of missed opportunities.

Rather unsurprisingly, such goalmouth woes were punished by their Cleveland FC, as a Luke Tidy double – and a further strike from Charlie Collin – sealed all three points.

Steve Simpkin

Redcar Athletic Reserves Manager

Frustrated to no end by his side’s shortcomings, manager Steve Simpkin acknowledged their innate talent, but questioned their ongoing standards.

The Reserves boss commented: “Another incredibly frustrating afternoon, as we once again fail to find the net.”

“We conceded three goals from the three chances that our opposition created.

“It’s ridiculous to say we should have won when losing 3-0, but if we take our chances in the opening exchanges, then the game is out of sight by the 20th minute.”

“There’s no excuses for it, a two-on-one break, a one-on-one with the ‘keeper, and three balls squared across the goal line for tap-ins that nobody met all squandered.

“We can’t be so wasteful and expect to win games.”

Taking a wider approach to a dismal season, Steve Simpkin admitted some of those in his squad were left pent up by poor form.

The Reserves coach drew upon adverse statistics to lament what has been and gone, offering a plea to his side to improve in the weeks to come.

“There’s some frustrated lads in this squad,” he said. “They know it’s just not happening week on week, they know it’s not good enough and are desperate to put it right.

“The whole squad know they need to take a long hard look at their individual performances and effort.

“Simply put, we aren’t even close to where we should be with the talent we have, but league tables and statistics don’t lie.

“We’re the second lowest scorers in the division, and only three teams have conceded more.

“Standards have just got to improve.”

Steve Simpkin’s Reserves are back on home turf next week, hosting somewhat of a derby in high-flying Redcar Newmarket (Darlington United).