Boss Sandy admits Belper defeat 'a game too far' for weakened Diamonds
Elliot Sandy admitted Saturday's trip to Belper Town was 'a game too far' for his weakened squad as they suffered a 3-0 defeat at the Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midlands Division leaders.
Diamonds were all square at half-time, but conceded an goal straight after the restart and Belper went on to secure a comfortable win to stay top of the pile.
The loss leaves Diamonds one place and one point above the relegation zone, but Sandy admitted that losing at the league's table-toppers won't 'define' his side's campaign.
Diamonds travelled without the suspended Bruno Andrade as well as the injured Olly Brown-Hill , Joel Nketia and Jeremy Kyezu, and after seeing off Racing Cub Warwick 1-0 the previous Saturday and then drawing 0-0 with Bourne in midweek, Sandy felt things caught up with his players.
"I am disappointed with the result but we can't be too disheartened with things," Sandy told @AFCRDTV. "We have had three tough games in seven days, and I think it was just a game too far for us in the end.
"In the first half we defended superbly as a group, but then it is disappointing to concedee so early in the second half, especially from a set-piece.
"After they got that goal there was only ever going to be one winner really.
"We conceded some poor goals and it is a disappointing day, but losing to Belper isn't going to define us and they deserved their win."
Diamonds now have a free week before turning their attentions to the FA Trophy and a daunting trip to unbeaten Pitching-In Southern League Premier Central leaders Harborough Town on Saturday (ko 3pm).