Rothbury boss ‘exasperated’ after six-hit defeat

Perhaps just as frustratingly it was talismanic skipper Tom Macpherson’s final game before a big career move down to Yorkshire with his young family and Herron was disappointed that he didn’t get the send-off on the pitch that his talent, experience and dedication to the club deserved.

James Jackson shot the Reds ahead and Tony Brown was inches from adding a second as he saw a free-kick cannon back off the crossbar.

But David Loch profited from a defensive scramble to grab a leveller and Herron couldn’t believe it when his side found themselves behind as Daniel Maddison netted in first half stoppage time.

The Reds’ began well and went ahead in the 26th minute with a well-worked move down the left, a rebounding ball falling into the path of midfielder Jackson who smashed home.

When Brown bent his dead-ball effort against the woodwork soon after, it looked like Rothbury could surprise the table-toppers and Herron said: “I think if we could have made it 2-0 with Tony’s free kick it would have given us the confidence to get something from the game.”

It wasn’t to be though and Loch stabbed in the leveller in the 37th minute before Maddison landed the sucker punch just ahead of the sit-down.

Central defender David Nesbit carried the ball forward unchallenged and lashed a 30-yard drive into the top corner in the 55th minute. An ‘unbelievable strike’ conceded the gaffer.

Town added three more to their tally in the final ten minutes with a double from David Stansfield and a late Adam Lennox effort.

There were, however, a number of positives to take from the defeat including the displays of some of the youngsters that are coming up through the ranks at the club.

“Young Harry Felton had a blinder, driving on with the ball, very raw still but has all the potential to be a big player for us in the future.

“Dylan Handyside also had a very good game for us, ratted the ball back well and was good in possession – he’s another one for the future,” said Herron.