Newmarket Town manager Michael Shinn reflects on Isthmian League defeat to Haringey Borough
Manager Michael Shinn felt that Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Haringey Borough perfectly encapsulated Newmarket Town’s season to date.
Scoring goals has not been too much of a problem for Jockeys since their promotion to the Pitching In Isthmian League North Division.
They have found the back of the net on 29 occasions from their 20 outings – the 12th best return in the division.
However, a goals against tally of 50 is the league’s joint worse record along with Ipswich Wanderers and it is the reason why Shinn’s side find themselves second from bottom with a six-point gap to safety on Christmas Day.
“We created enough chances to win two games on Saturday but two defensive errors has cost us,” said Shinn.
“That’s pretty much been the story of our whole season. We’re deserving something from a lot of the games and it feels like I’m repeating myself each week because we’re not far away.
“It’s a concentration thing and also needing that bit of composure. We’re playing at a level where if you give the opposition a chance, generally it’s going to end in a goal.
“I know these boys have got it in them, they’ve got the ability to do what’s needed.
“Is there a temptation to make signings? Of course there is, but these boys have been great for me and if they can improve concentration levels at key times in the game, I’m sure it will soon turn for us.”
Newmarket will head to Wroxham – another side in the relegation zone – on Boxing Day (1pm) for a fixture that kickstart a run of five games in 13 days.
It is hectic period for all involved, yet Shinn believes that it is a good opportunity to inject some ‘momentum’ into the season.
“It’s a relentless period and it’s going to be tough for the players,” he added.
“It can go one of two ways. You either pick up points and get things going or you get to January knowing you’ve got a lot of work to do.
“If you pick up a couple of wins all of a sudden the momentum gets going and then you don’t mind the games coming around so quickly.”
After facing Wroxham, Newmarket will host Felixstowe & Walton United on Saturday and then welcome Redbridge to the Tristel Stadium on New Year’s Day (both 3pm).
Meanwhile, Shinn’s squad has been bolstered for the festive period with the arrival of Tom Unwin from Sky Bet League One outfit Peterborough United on a work experience loan.