omsey Town head coach James Phillips was disappointed but encouraged following his side’s 4-2 loss to New Milton Town.

“My initial reaction would have to be one of disappointment mixed with a great deal of encouragement,” he said.

“I genuinely feel we could of taken something from today’s game and but for a real slack 15 minutes, we were very much in the game. Once again it shows how small the margins can be in the league and how one individual error will be punished by the top team, but let’s not look pass the massive improvement on last weekend’s performance and it gives me a lot of confidence going into the next couple of games.”

After going a goal down early on through New Milton’s Kabba Jack, Romsey hit back with a goal from Ryan Merrick. Phillips was happy with the response.

“I was extremely pleased by the lads’ response after conceding,” he said. “ I actually felt before that goal we had a couple of half chances which, on another day, could have ended up in the back of the net - but it wasn't to be.

“One thing I have to praise my players for is the courage and desire they show, no matter what situation they face. Yes, we are struggling at the moment but they always play with a belief and confidence you wouldn't necessarily expect for a side with so little experience in the Wessex League.

“They could have quite easily rolled over at that point [1-0 down] but full credit to them. It [the equaliser] was an outstanding four-man move, all one touch passes and finished off well by Ryan Merrick, who I thought was excellent today in a new role for him.”

New Milton then struck back to take the lead, through a penalty converted by Jack.

“It was one of those that you would hope for a bit of honesty from the player to stay on his feet but if you dangle legs in the penalty area you are always at risk, especially on a slick pitch like today.

“Lewis Oliver was very disappointed to give it away but he's just turned 18 and he will make mistakes - but that's all part of him becoming the player I know he has the potential to be.

“Since he was brought in against Team Solent, he has been outstanding so I’m not going to be too hard on him.

“As a squad [though], we have to work on 1v1 defending and staying on our feet because we have given away far too many penalties for my liking.”

Jack Dickson then scored before Jack completed his hat-trick to make it 4-1 and Phillips was impressed by the forward's performance.

“I think every team in the league would love to have Kabba in their squad. His record speaks for itself and no matter how much you highlight him as a threat, he seems to find a way to escape defenders.

“We are disappointed we didn't deal with him better today but his energy and ability to finish is second to none.”

Kadeem Price then pulled a goal back for the hosts but that was a good as it got for Romsey, as they fell to a 4-2 loss. Phillips said there were positives to be taken out of the game, despite the result.

“I think the main positive is the response from last week’s horror show. I could see a desire and drive in the players today which I didn't see last week.

“The players were made very aware this week that the level of performance has to improve and we've also worked on making our football more effective, which I think we witnessed the start of today.

“We played far more forward passes today and caused them a lot of problems when we managed to isolate the full backs especially.

“It was great to have James Ferguson back in defence too. He is such a composed presence on the ball and he will win 9/10 headers which [is an area] we have been slightly lacking in.

“I also thought our attacking players were much better today; both Ollie Bailey and Kadeem Price had good games and, as I mentioned earlier, Ryan Merrick in a new role stood out for me.”

Romsey now look to next Saturday’s game away to Downton, a team yet to secure a league win this season and Phillips is hoping for a good result.

“Every game is important but yes next weekend is right up there.

“We haven't played anyone from the bottom end of the table yet so we would hope to take the performance from today’s game into next Saturday and hopefully get a much needed win.

“It would give everyone such a boost going forward and 3 points would be a worthy reward for all the hard work the players are putting it to turn this run of results around.”