THREE away defeats on the bounce for Amesbury Town have seen them fade away from fellow title contestants at the top after losing their “killer instinct”.

It’s been a sorry two weeks for the Blues following three defeats, all of which were by the odd goal.

After losing 2-1 to Cowes Sports the weekend before last, they lost by the same scoreline at Andover New Street on Saturday, despite going ahead through a Matt Cox penalty, and were defeated by a solitary strike on Tuesday at Hythe and Dibden.

No points out of a possible nine puts them 13 points adrift of championselect Team Solent in Wessex Division One.

Manager Gareth Horner said: “There have been no excuses for Saturday and Tuesday night’s defeats apart from we just haven’t performed.”

“When you are used to winning and you lose a game or two it’s very difficult to turn things around but that is something we have to do and very quickly, otherwise all of our hard work will go to waste.

“Unfortunately, we have lost our killer instinct in front of goal as we have had more than enough chances over the last two games to win them comfortably, but when things aren’t going your way pressure mounts and composure goes out the window.”

Town now have five league games remaining, one of those is a game in hand, and the boss is focusing on amassing 15 points when the season closes on April 18.

“We still have five league games left and 15 points to play for and that has to be our aim,” added Horner.

“Take nothing away from the lads they have been great all year so it would be unfair to criticise them for their last two performances but they know they have not been good enough.”

“The squad has been stretched of late and that doesn’t look like improving and with only one side it’s difficult for the players that I ask to come in as they have not been as many minutes as I would have liked.

“If you look at all of the other sides fighting at the top they all have very competitive reserve sides and I really think that is something we have to look at in the future.”

Despite the slump, Amesbury had a fantastic February where they won five of their seven matches in all competitions.

This record was recognised by league chiefs and they were named club of the month.

“Obviously it’s a great accolade to be awarded club of the month for February – but we certainly won’t be winning it in March,” joked Horner.

  • Committee member Steve Pearce has been named as the new chairman of Amesbury. He will replace Jason Cameron at the start of 2015/16 season.