LITTLE Oakley joint-boss Paul Sadler admits his side were punished for “five minutes of madness” in their 2-0 defeat against Woodbridge Town.

Jake Conway and Ryan Keeble netted quickfire goals at the start of the second half to earn the Thurlow Nunn League first division leaders three points at the Memorial Ground on Tuesday night.

Overall, Sadler was encouraged by his side’s performance and felt there was little between the teams.

However, he admits his players switched off early in the second period and consequently left themselves with a mountain to climb.

“Woodbridge probably edged it but the first half was very even,” Sadler told the Standard.

“We had the better chance before the break and had that gone in, it might have been a different game.

“However, we didn’t start the second half well.

“We switched off for five minutes and that’s something we’ve made a habit of this season.

“It’s something we need to learn, that in this league you have to be fully focused and on your game for 90 minutes. Otherwise you pay a heavy price.

“It’s a shame, because the boys worked so hard.

“They dug in and did what was asked of them.

“Their shape was good, as was their discipline, but those five minutes of madness cost us and we paid the penalty.

“Had it not happened, I think we might have got something from the game.”

Going into the match, Sadler felt confident his side could cause an upset and topple the Woodpeckers.

Oakley have been strong at home and were unbeaten in their previous four matches - winning three of them - at the Memorial Ground.

“We said at half-time that the longer we could keep it goalless, or maybe even nick one, it would have put Woodbridge under a bit of pressure,” added Sadler, who runs the side with manager Sean Tynan.

“We would have seen what they’re made of.

“However, Woodbridge are top for a reason.

“Last season we were top of our league and we know what it’s like keeping that momentum going.

“The good sides are the ones that grind out results and that’s exactly what they did against us.

“We’ve made our home ground a bit of a fortress this season and we saw it as an opportunity to cause a bit of an upset.

“But after those five minutes of madness, we didn’t create enough in the second half.”

Oakley had been due to entertain Halstead Town last weekend but the match was postponed because of snow on the Memorial Ground pitch.

Tomorrow sees the Acorns’ first team make the long trip to King’s Lynn Town Reserves.

Their reserves are at home to Tiptree Heath in the Knockout Cup (kick-off 2.30pm) and the A team are away to FC Clacton Reserves (3pm).

On Tuesday the reserves are at home to Coggeshall United (7.45pm).