AFC Sudbury boss questions mental strength of his players, ahead of trip to Worthing

Second-bottom Sudbury were given a boost on Thursday when they were awarded the three points from their abandoned game at Hendon in January – Godbold’s side were winning 2-1 in injury-time when a mass brawl ensued, resulting in a red card for the home side’s Kevin Maclaren.

That means the Wardale Williams-based outfit are just a point from safety in the Ryman Premier Division, and in better shape than they were following last Saturday’s reverse fixture with Hendon, which the visitors won 4-0.

Reflecting on that result and his side’s mindset, Godbold said: “Without a shadow of a doubt it was (the worst day of his management career).

“It was billed as such a big game so for us to put in the performance we did was really disappointing.

“I just don’t think we are coping very well with the pressure.

“We have good players and some great technicians and we came off the back of a win (against Folkestone Invicta), so the team were disappointed.

“I think it’s a question of mental strength.

“The ability of the players has never been in doubt and on their day, they should not be in the position they are in.

“If it’s not about ability, it must be a mental question.”

Sudbury head to Sussex without prolific forward Sam Bantick, who has scored 13 goals in 48 appearances for Godbold’s team this season.

“Sam has found the last few months a challenge and whilst I am disappointed to lose him, he made it clear that he felt he couldn’t give what we require for the remaining games of the season,” explained Godbold, whose side have won just one of their last eight league games and have conceded 17 goals in their last four matches.

“He is a good lad with a good heart, and I wish him all the very best in the next stage of his career.”

After today, Sudbury play three of the top six in leaders, Bognor Regis, Needham Market and Tonbridge Angels, before finishing away at fellow strugglers Canvey Island.