PETERSFIELD Town manager Mark Summerhill didn’t hold back as he criticised his side’s “woeful” defending after they were well beaten by Newport (IoW) last Saturday.

The Rams went down 4-1 at Love Lane in their second Wessex League Division One match of the campaign.

The defeat means Petersfield have conceded seven goals in their opening two league games, and Summerhill is clear where his side need to improve.

“Newport were strong, but we were pretty poor,” he said.

“We were all at sea defensively. Our defending was woeful. Newport could and should have scored earlier. When we conceded it was not a surprise.

“We equalised quickly and got back in the game.

“We then made an adjustment but we conceded again.

“We’re just not right defensively at the moment and it’s hurting us. It was a pretty poor performance. We huffed and puffed and created some good chances, but we look like we’re going to concede goals.

“Rich Covey came back in at centre-back on Saturday at short notice to help us out. He’s very important for us.”

While Summerhill was unhappy with his side’s defensive performance, he insists he has seen positive signs in Petersfield’s attacking play.

“We’re creating chances and at 2-1 down we should have made it 2-2,” said the Rams manager.

“In the second half we looked a lot brighter. We do look bright going forward.”

Summerhill has been busy adding to his squad, with Jake Alford signing from Fleetlands.

Fellow new recruit Rudy Andrew-Knott joined from Gosport in time to start against Newport (IoW), and Summerhill was pleased with what he saw from the new arrival.

“Gosport have given Rudy to us on a three-game co-sign,” said the Rams boss. “He started out wide on Saturday, and we then put him up front where he looked very lively. We’ll try to extent Rudy’s time with us.

“Jake’s a great addition and a great character. He’s a forward who has been at the club before. His signing is a real boost for everyone.

“We just need a centre-back now. We are talking to someone with Wessex League experience, so hopefully he signs.

“I’m extremely unhappy with results but happy we’re now getting players in.”

The Rams won 2-0 at home to Fleet Spurs on Tuesday night and will host New Milton Town this Saturday.

Summerhill is expecting a difficult test against New Milton. He said: “New Milton have had a good start and signed a lot of good players. It will be a tough game, but we hope to have signed a centre-back by Saturday.”