Setchell relieved as 'diabolical' Corby recover to secure point on difficult night at Steel Park
"It just looks like the air has been taken out of the balloon for everyone."
Gary Setchell admitted Wednesday night's clash with Rugby Borough was a tough one for him and his players in light of the public announcement of the club's financial issues - but insisted that was no excuse for the 'diabolical' first-half performance in the 1-1 draw at Steel Park.
The match was played just hours after the club confirmed that manager Setchell, his coaching staff and his players had all agreed to take voluntary pay cuts to help the Steelmen through a 'challenging' period financially.
The club announced the move on Wednesday afternoon with the board of directors stating they are currently having to 'absorb losses' of around £80,000 per year, and admit the Steelmen 'cannot continue in its current financial position'.
A subsequent appeal from the club to supporters to pile through the turnstiles fell on deaf ears as a modest crowd of 372 turned out on a chilly December night, and those that did turn up saw their team struggle to hit their best form.
Borough led 1-0 thanks to a 19th-minute strike from Johnson Gyamfi, and looked to be heading for league double over the Steelmen, having beaten them 3-0 on their own patch in September.
But a much-improved second-half performance was rewarded with an injury-time equaliser from skipper Rory McAuley, and Setchell felt that was the least his team deserved.
Although he also admitted the news of the club's financial problems may have played a part in his team's below-par showing in the opening 45 minutes.
"I am not unhappy with the result, I think it would be disrespectful if we just thought we could roll over Rugby Borough, they are a very good team and beat us 3-0 earlier in the season," Setchell told @corbytownfc.
"That first half was as poor a half of football that we have had since I have been at the football club, we were diabolical and have absolutely gifted them a goal which is probably their only shot on target.
"It just looks like the air has been taken out of the balloon for everyone.
"We have had to deal with what's gone on off the pitch, and it wasn't a great atmosphere inside the ground, it was flat, and the lads didn't perform at all in the first half.
"We were a lot better in the second half, we were more lively, and we although I don't think we probably deserved to win, I think we deserved the draw.
"We were a lot more on the front foot, a lot more competitive and the subs made an impact which was pleasing.
"I threw the skipper up front with three minutes to go, and as he has literally run from the halfway line to the six yard box the ball has landed at his feet and that is a great finish."
On the financial issues, Setchell added: “It's only three weeks ago we were at Kidderminster and we were on top of the world, and now it just feels like the whole building has fallen down."
"One or two of the lads may be feeling a bit sorry for themselves, and it is a difficult time for them at the minute.
"We take the point and we move on, but I have said to the players that I don't accept those sort of performances, regardless of what's happened."
The draw ensures Corby stay fifth in the Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midlands Division ahead of Saturday's tough looking trip to sixth-placed Lichfield City (ko 3pm).