EAST Bergholt United manager Frank Thompson says his side need to stop conceding so many goals if they are to rise up the Touchline SIL Senior Division table.

Bergholt, who are currently fifth from bottom with just two wins from ten games, have let in 22 goals so far this season.

The experienced boss said: “We have had to re-build the side from last season. We have lost several influential players including Joel Watkins, who scored 20-odd goals for us last season, and it has been hard work.

“We had a bad pre-season with injuries and unavailability and after losing our first two games we then beat Ipswich Exiles and also had a good result when we beat Achilles.

“But our last four games have seen us lose to Ipswich Valley Rangers, who are top, and at Old Newton, who are strong at home.

“We have drawn with Coplestonians, when we showed great character by coming back twice and last Saturday we came from behind to draw against Capel Plough.

“Before last Saturday we had conceded ten goals in four games, which is relegation form, and we have let in 22 in ten games.

“That means we need to score three goals a game to get a win!

“I believe we will turn the corner. We have not got a big squad, so we have to make the most of what we have got.

“We are one of the few sides in the division whose players pay subs and a signing on fee, and we are a village side.

“We are not many miles away from Ipswich, but we might as well be if you are not able to offer anything better than what players can get at their own club.

“That makes it difficult for us to improve the team, but we just need to stop letting in goals and build a platform.”

Bergholt tomorrow travel to Ipswich Athletic, who recorded their first win of the season at the 11th attempt last Saturday.

Thompson said: “They were always going to win at some stage, but the longer it went on the more chance that you were going to be the team to get beaten. The fact they won last Saturday means they will now fancy their chances against us.”