LITTLE Oakley assistant manager Paul Sadler admitted his side were guilty of some “woeful” defending in Saturday’s 7-0 defeat at King’s Lynn Town Reserves.

The Acorns had a day to forget in the Thurlow Nunn League contest.

Sadler felt the heavy score masked some positive play from his side, particularly in the attacking third.

However, he admits they have to improve their away record, having only gleaned eight points on their travels all season.

“We haven’t fared well on the road and knew we’d be in for a tough afternoon,” said Sadler.

“However, our defending was woeful at times and if you don’t defend properly, you’re up against it.

“It was a shame because at the start of both halves, we were the better side and their keeper made some excellent saves.

“He was rightly awarded man-of-the-match by the home team so that says something about our attacking play.

“But when they broke, they did so with real pace and we were caught out on numerous occasions.

“It was also disappointing that we threw in the towel and conceded three late goals, when it was 4-0.

“We need to sit down and try to work out why our away performances are so poor and get it right for next season.”

Oakley travel to Norwich United Reserves on Monday (kick-off 3pm).