McDonald 'disappointed' as Kettering Town weaknesses are ruthlessly exposed by Spalding

McDonald's first three games in charge of the Poppies had seen the team unbeaten in all competitions without conceding a goal, but they were undone by a strike in each half from the second-placed Tulips, with both goals coming from set-pieces.

The result saw the Poppies slide to 11th in the table ahead of this Saturday's trip to struggling Bromsgrove Sporting, and they are now five points shy of the play-off places and 11 points adrift of leaders Harborough Town.

It was a frustrating night at Spalding, but McDonald was pleased with his team's endeavour and just feels the squad needs new blood, with some height, power and experience urgently required.

"I am disappointed," said the Poppies boss. "The boys have worked hard and I think if you take the set-pieces away there wasn't a great deal in it.

"We had a little bit of play in their final third, and they had a little bit, and I think Jay (Jason Alexander) made a couple of saves.

"I think their keeper has made one save and we have had a couple of half chances, so there was nothing major in the game.

"But to be a top team it's these types of games that put you at the top, being on the right end of a game that has literally ended on two set-pieces and it wasn't great defending for both goals, so we are disappointed with that.

"The one thing we looked at with Spalding is that they are a second-ball team in terms of their midfield, and they beat us to that in the first half.

"I don't think they created loads from open play so the boys can take some heart from that.

"We have the squad we have got at the moment and we need to improve it, and I have said to the players that in two or three weeks' time we won't concede goals like that.

"It is evident, and everybody can see it, that we are not the biggest or most physical team.

"Help will arrive and I have said to the players that they need to accept the challenges when the new players come in."

McDonald was also asked if he felt he had enough leaders in his squad, and he said: "It is a young side, probably one of the youngest I have managed.

"Football has changed from years ago, and Spalding aren't the loudest team either but they have experienced players, and we do need some experienced players to back up our youthfulness.

"Sometimes you can speak with your legs rather than your voice, but yes we do need extra leaders, because the likes of Foz (George Forsyth) and Andy (Thanoj) are leaders and do a good job, but the boys do sometimes need a little bit more experience out there. That will come within time."