Hornets need some self belief

Leon Moore has challenged his Debenham LC players to find some belief in their bid for consistency.

The Hornets have had an up and down start to the Thurlow Nunn League First Division North campaign, winning four, drawing two and losing five of their 11 outings.

Their latest defeat came on Saturday, going down 1-0 at home to Leiston Reserves.

Moore has described that performance as one of the ‘poorest’ since he took charge in September 2017, with a lack of confidence being the major contributing factor.

“I was not impressed with Saturday at all,” said the manager.

“We seemed to forget how to pass the ball and panic really set in among the group.

“It was one of the poorest performances I have seen during my time as manager.

“It comes down to self belief, and the players believing they are better than a mid-table side, because they are better than that.

“As soon as we start believing that, I am sure we will kick on.

“It is down to me as a manager to help instil that into the players, but they need to do it for themselves as well.”

Off the pitch, Moore is in search of a new assistant after Shaun Hunsdon parted company with the club last week.

The former Diss Town striker took on the role after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury, but has now stepped aside.

“Shaun has been great for the club and I wish him well,” said Moore.

“I would love to see him get over his injury and get back out there playing.”

Next up for Debenham tomorrow is a trip to Haverhill Borough (3pm).

New signing Jamie Guy will be included in the squad, having missed last weekend’s defeat to Leiston’s second string due to personal reasons.

* Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Debenham will play host to Diss Town in the first round of the First Division Knockout Cup (7.45pm).

Before that the Tangerines, who were without a game last weekend, begin their Norfolk Senior Cup campaign at home against lower-league Hindringham (2.30pm).

Jason Cook’s men have been on a poor run of late, losing five and drawing one of their last six encounters.

One of those defeats was inflicted by Debenham, who recovered from a goal down to win 2-1 at Brewers Green Lane on September 11.