Gray rues slow start as Dover hit three (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Gray rues slow start as Dover hit three

8:55am Monday 15th March 2010 in

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BASINGSTOKE Town manager Frank Gray was left with mixed feelings after watching his side go down 3-1 to Dover Athletic.

Bad defending cost Town three first half goals but they improved dramatically after the break and were unfortunate to have just Gary Frewen’s free-kick goal to show for their efforts.

“It was very frustrating today,” Gray said.

“They were three horrible goals defensively, but, apart from that, Dover did not create much.

“You cannot afford to give |anyone a three-goal start, especially a side who have been up there all season.

“It was another bad start but the second half was the best we have played for months, which is the annoying thing about it.

“If you showed someone the video of the whole 90 minutes, without the three goals, they would not be able to believe that we have lost today.”

Gray made a slight change to the formation, lining up with a diamond in midfield.

It was not a complete success, with a lack of width giving the Dover full backs too much time on the ball. However, it certainly got the best out of Steve Laidler, who put in his most impressive performance since rejoining the club.

Gray said: “I thought the diamond in midfield worked well and it is something we might look at again because we caused them problems.”

See The Monday Gazette for a full report.