Reama 2 Hackney Downs 1

Hackney Downs A coach Dave McDonald was left to rue missed chances after his side went down 2-1 to Premier Division leaders Reama last Sunday.

Reama stormed into an early two-goal lead in the first half, and McDonald was disappointed with how his side conceded.

“To be honest, we gifted them both of their goals,” he said. “Two mistakes from us and we were 2-0 down in the first half.

“But the top sides in this league will punish you when you make mistakes like we did.”

In the second half, Hackney Downs emerged a different side and duly clawed a goal back through Peter Blake.

However, despite constant pressure on the Reama back four, and seven shots on target, McDonald’s men just couldn’t find the elusive equaliser.

“That second half was very frustrating to watch,” said the Hackney Downs boss.

“We have seven clear-cut chances, and didn’t score.

“We hit the post, we hit the bar, but we didn’t hit the back of the net, and that was the difference between the two sides, really.

“A 2-1 scoreline, and our first defeat on the season, is very harsh on my side.

“On the second-half performance, we completely dominated them.

“I know that we are a better side than Reama.”

Following the defeat, McDonald has targeted two specific areas where his team have to improve if they are to remain in the hunt for the Premier Division title.

“We need to stop conceding such sloppy goals first and foremost,” he said.

“This season we have conceded six goals in four games now, which just isn’t good enough if we want to win the league.

“It is something that we will look to work on in our training sessions.

“One other concern for me is our lack of goals though, I must admit.

“It is pleasing that we are creating chances, but we must take them.

“The players were very disappointed after Sunday’s game as the strikers were just not firing and I think that they have to take some of the blame for the defeat.

“We need to put these chances away if we want to be a successful team.

“At the moment we have lots of strikers, but what we need is a goalscorer.

“Someone who will put their hands up and be counted for us when we need them the most.”

This Sunday, Hackney Downs face Rolls Park – a team that McDonald admits his side know very well.

“We played them in the final of the Senior Cup last season, and managed to beat them 2-1 in extra time,” he said.

“So make no mistake, they will be looking for revenge on Sunday.

“Like any other team in this league, they will be well organised.

“We will give them the respect that they deserve, but I will be looking to get three valuable points on Sunday to help us move up the league table.”