More frustration for boss Stone as Doughboys draw a blank in Long Eaton stalemate
Jake Stone was left frustrated as Wellingborough Town played out a 0-0 draw with Long Eaton United at the Dog & Duck on Saturday - their fifth stalemate in their past eight Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midlands Division matches.
It was another setback for the Doughboys in their bid to break into the play-off places, and although they remain in sixth place, they are now three points adrift of fifth-placed Belper Town, having play two games more.
Stone felt his side did enough to win against Long Eaton, but the team's recent struggles in front of goal - the Doughboys have scored just three times in their past four games - returned to haunt them as Borough were again forced to settle for a share of the spoils.
Not even the fact Long Eaton had goalkeeper Lewis King sent off in the 73rd-minute could help the Doughboys' cause.
"It was a frustrating not to get the winner but there was no lack of effort or desire from the lads, we’re just not finishing our chances at the moment," said Stone.
"The first half was fairly even, but in the second I felt we were the better side for large spells.
"Long Eaton had their keeper sent off with about 15 minutes left, and we created plenty, but we just couldn’t find that goal. Credit to them though, they defended with everything they had.
"It was similar to the last few games really. Lots of effort, lots of drive, but just missing that final bit of quality."
Stone also bemoaned the spate of injuries that have hit his side in recent weeks, feeling the loss of a clutch of key players has really affected his team.
"The constant injuries we have suffered since the week of the Coleshill game (on February 21) haven’t helped. It’s knocked our rhythm, and we’ve struggled to fully get it back," said Stone.
"Danny Draper is a massive miss, not just his goals, but the way his energy sets the tone.
"Charlie Green has also been out for the last five games, though he returned on Saturday and was brilliant.
"Then we lost Skip (Jack O’Connor) the day before the game, and were also missing Matty Slinn, so it’s been a bit of bad luck on that front.
"That said, only losing twice in 17 games in all competitions is still a decent run, we'be just had just far too many draws lately.
"Earlier in that run we had a consistent team selection, which helped us build momentum. The injuries have definitely had an impact, but that’s football."
The Doughboys have a free midweek before they entertain relegation-threatened Bourne Town on Saturday (ko 3pm).