MARK Betts has admitted that Burnham are bereft of confidence after a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Highworth Town on Saturday.

The Blues won their first two matches under Betts and fellow joint-boss Jon Palmer but, after a luckless defeat to Lydney, went down at home to Highworth.

Burnham took an early lead via Neville Roach, but the visitors hit back with three second half goals from Chris Taylor, Jon Davolie and Aysa Corrick.

“It’s a tricky one really because we were one up at half-time and frustrating them. It probably should have been two,” Betts told the Observer.

“We had a few young lads in the squad and they frustrated the other team, who were getting on the referee’s back, so everything was going well for us at half-time.

“In the first two minutes of the second half our young full-back clattered their guy on the edge of the box and they scored the free-kick to give them a massive lift.

“We got into the game and hit the post but they broke, got a corner, and we gifted them a goal with bad defending.

“Bad defending was to blame for the third goal as well.”

He continued: “We gave the opportunity to the young lads to show what they can do but there’s definitely a lack in confidence, which is a shame.

“We’ve brought in a few new guys which has made a difference, but there’s a lack of confidence and that’s not being disrespectful to anyone.”

The defeat means Burnham are still second from bottom in the Hellenic Premier Division, three points above Henley Town having played three games more.

The Blues are not in action until Tuesday February 21 when they travel to fifth from bottom Highmoor Ibis, and Betts believes the break will benefit his squad.

“We’ve got a break now so we will look to strengthen because it’s all down to points gained now,” he said. “It gives us a bit of time to get a few more lads in, get out on the training field and get our shape right.

“Some of these players have been in a team that has lost 21 out of 23 games so their confidence is not high.

“Their spirit is good but we need to strengthen because we need to win at least three more games to be comfortable.

“We didn’t promise the world when we came in but we will take the last six games seriously.

“I would have taken two wins from four but we've got to strengthen and keep on focusing on every game."