Lee Clark was left disappointed as Blyth Spartans failed to use the windy conditions to their advantage in the first-half during the 2-0 defeat at Farsley Celtic.
Spartans had the wind in their favour during the opening 45 minutes, however instead allowed Farsley a lead at the break following Dave Syers’ 39th-minute strike.
Jimmy Spencer then scored on the hour-mark for the hosts, leaving Blyth with a mountain to climb when battling after the blustery weather conditions.
Clark told blythspartans.com: “We went into the game, we looked at the pitch and saw the weather conditions etc and we said if we can win the toss: ‘Can we use the really strong wind to our advantage and get a lead in the game?’ We knew because the wind was that strong they’d be pegged back.
“After the first 10 minutes when we had a few attempts at goal, we looked like we were going to do that but we instead allowed Farsley to get control of the ball, despite the strong conditions.
“We didn’t cause them enough problems. We didn’t manage the game well enough. When the ball went out of play, rather than us going to get it, we allowed them to run the clock down.
“For example, their goalkeeper was taking goal kicks and he was lucky if he was getting out of his own box. Our back players were still deep in our own half.
“Even worse was to come when we conceded the goal. Going from where you believe you can get a foothold in the game and get in front because of the conditions, we actually found ourselves behind.
“When you come in at half-time 1-0 down despite having the advantage then it makes it doubly hard. I actually felt we played some decent stuff in the second-half and created more chances against the wind.
“We probably created just as many opportunities as them but we didn’t our advantage count early enough. Overall it was a disappointing afternoon and a disappointing result.
“No way can I question the lads’ effort and attitude, but the game management wasn’t there. We’ve got to go again, there are no ifs or buts about it.”