Difficult case for the defence (27.04.06)

ONE final home defeat heaped further misery on the Magpies this week, as one-time demotion rivals Eastbourne Borough hit their hosts for six.
United were hampered by a lengthy injury list, but manager Carl Taylor was not looking for excuses.
He said: “We’ve been down to the bare bones for a couple of weeks now. But that’s not why we lost on Saturday.
“It was because our defending was just awful.”
Five of Eastbourne’s six goals were conceded from set-piece plays, and four of those from corners.
Taylor added: “The only thing I can say in defence of my players is that sometimes you have to look at what it is that’s hurt you.
“And those corner kicks were fantastic! Real quality.”
Despite the defeat United’s relegation is still not certain.
At least three clubs are rumoured to be considering dropping out of the division for financial reasons, meaning the Magpies may live to fight another season in the Conference.
Taylor added: “There’s so much going on at the moment, but I’m not worrying too much about it for now.
“It will all sort itself out over the next few weeks.
“But funnily, it’s Carshalton I feel sorry for. Look at the run they had and now they look like they might go down.”
Looking forward to tomorrow’s (Saturday’s) trip to Histon, Taylor admitted it was a game he desperately wanted to win, just to prevent the Cambridgeshire side from reaching the play-offs.
He said: “They were really disrespectful when we met before Christmas, and if we can upset them we will.
“I really want to stop them.
“I’m sure they think they’re already there because they’re playing us, but we just have to do another Thurrock on them.
“I’m confident we’ll do as well as we have done away from home in recent games.
“We do have a few injuries, but I’m still hopeful.”
Yashwa Romeo is close to full fitness and should feature in the match, but Nana Badu is now struggling with a knock.
Taylor added wryly: “It’s one in, one out, which has been the story of our season."