Dalbeattie Star boss Jordan Williamson described his side’s latest heavy defeat as “one of the poorest performances so far”.
Star were thumped 6-0 by Civil Service Strollers, leaving the Islecroft side rooted to the foot of the Lowland League table.
Williamson admitted: “The boys tried but it was one of the poorest performances so far.
“We know the league table doesn’t lie and Saturday was a big opportunity for us to pick up points.
“We did create chances but we didn’t take them. We were lacklustre in defence and were picked off far too easily.
“There are still 27 games to go and the positive aspect is we know we’re just one win away from things clicking.
“We knew things would take time to gel but we’ve now gone past that point, the changing room is integrated and we’re now trying to get out that rut.
“I know this group of players will be able to flourish. We have struggled and looked bad at times but it’s now just a confidence issue. I’m more than certain once we get past that stumbling block we’ll get going.
“I know each of the individuals all have a special something. I just feel like they’re under so much pressure they’re scared to make mistakes. By doing that they’re not concentrating on their own game and then, in turn, they’re making mistakes.
“We need to get out of that mindset.”
A tremendous strike from Matthew Cunningham gave the visitors the lead on Saturday.
Liam Craig nearly equalised soon after but was unlucky to see his shot hit the post, Jack Currie’s effort from the
rebound blocked on the line.
And moments later Strollers doubled their lead with a fine volley from Innes Lawson and just before the break they scored a killer third through Alieau Faye.
Any hopes of a comeback evaporated early in the second half when skipper Steven Logan was shown a second yellow card.
His team battled hard but three goals in the last 15 minutes – from Marc Laird, Louis Kennedy and Ross Young – made it another difficult day for Star.
The focus turns away from the league now with Star facing Abbey Vale in the SFA South Region Challenge Cup this weekend before they head to Cumbernauld Colts in the Scottish Cup.
Williamson said: “This fortnight gives us the chance to play with the league pressure off, enjoy football and express ourselves in a way I know they can.
“It’s always difficult playing against teams in a different division and Abbey Vale are full of confidence so we know it’ll be a difficult task.
“The good thing is quite a few boys in the changing room have played down at Abbey Vale – we’re not going in blind. It would potentially have been more problematic going to a West venue and not necessarily knowing the surroundings.
“It’s not alien but we have to make sure we match the energy levels Abbey Vale will bring to the table and we fully respect the fact they’ll be looking at it as a potential cup upset.”
The Star squad has been handed a boost with the arrival of centre half John Cumming.
Williamson added: “He's a good lad. He’s a winner and he gives us a bit of pace at the back which is maybe something we’ve been missing.”
