Frustrated Pat Rayment dubbed his Spalding United side “their own worst enemy” after seeing them twice blow a lead before drawing 2-2 at Basford United on Tuesday night.
A double from Josh Moreman (25 & 45) twice put the Tulips ahead in the Evo-Stik League First Division South clash, but two basic errors allowed the hosts to level through Ross Watson’s own goal (29) and debutant Rhys Myers (80).
It’s now four away league draws from as many games for the seventh-placed Tulips so far this season – and boss Rayment feels they’ve dropped four points in that time.
He was unhappy with keeper Michael Duggan’s role in Watson’s own goal and felt Spalding shot themselves in the foot by shipping the late leveller.
Rayment is, however, impressed with how his side are playing – dubbing the display their best of the season so far.
He said: “I’m absolutely gutted. This was our best performance of the season so far. But I’m left lamenting some absolutely terrible basic errors again.
“We absolutely dominated the game and should have got the three points for sure.
“Josh Moreman’s first goal was superb, the move was top notch. The team looked excellent on the ball and we really stepped it up a notch from recent weeks.
“But you just can’t legislate for the mistakes that we’re making.
“Michael Duggan has to take responsibility for the first goal – he clattered into Ross Watson and the ball just rolled in.
“And their second goal was just poor all round.”
The Tulips looked set to break their away duck at Greenwich Avenue with Moreman tucking away a superb opener mid-way through the half after a slick move.
Watson’s own goal ensured the lead only lasted four minutes, but Moreman’s second – which deflected in off Myers –looked set to be the winner before the same player poked home a late leveller.
Tulips: Duggan, Watson, Spafford, Stainfield, Jackson, Millson (Lawlor 73), Murphy, Banister, Moreman, Frew (Sanders 73), Rodney. Not used: Waumsley, Walker.
Attendance: 92
