Town boss reads the riot act after defeat (From Free Press Series)

Town boss reads the riot act after defeat

CHEPSTOW Town manager Barry Vassello has read the riot act to his players following their first defeat of the season in Welsh League Division Three.

Following an impressive start to the campaign, which saw Chepstow win three of their first four matches, the team slumped to a 2-0 defeat at AFC Porth on Saturday and Vassello was not impressed.

"The lads were never at the races. It was bitterly disappointing to watch. Not one of my players can say they performed. There was no fight and they need to show a lot more character," he said.

Andy he added that if the current team of players were unable to up their game, he would look to bring in new players.

Vassello was left scratching his head after the defeat as it followed the team's best display of the campaign four days earlier at Newcastle Emlyn.

Chepstow won the game 3-1 with goals from centre half Lee Stanton, making his first appearance of the season, striker Craig Jolliffe and skipper Lee Relish.

"We played superbly which makes Saturday's performance even harder to accept. We were in control of the game and they only scored through a dubious penalty. I don't know what happened to the players between last Tuesday and the weekend but it was like watching a totally different team."

Vassello is looking to his squad to now stand up and be counted and Saturday's Welsh Trophy clash with Skewen will be a big test of character.

Skewen currently sit second in Welsh League Division One and will be looking to turn over their lower league rivals.

Vassello told the Free Press: "The character of our team will be sorely tested. We're not expected to beat Skewen but I am looking for a good performance with plenty of fight.

"The boys know they let themselves down on Saturday so now I am looking for the right response from them."