JOHN Brough has put thoughts of a play-off charge firmly on hold at North Leigh following a run of three games without victory, writes MATTHEW BRUCE

The Millers were thrashed 4-1 at second-placed Tiverton Town in Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West on Saturday, leaving them 14 points off the pace.

And the North Leigh boss said his main priority is now reversing his side’s slump in form, rather than homing in on the top five.

“I don’t believe we can think about the play-offs, to be honest,” he said.

“We’ve just got to take each game as it comes and get some consistency in our defending.

“Everyone makes mistakes, but we’re making far too many at the moment and every time we do it results in a goal.

“It seems we have to concede first before we fight back. I want to see us on our game from the start.”

The Millers paid the price for a slow start in Devon, finding themselves 3-0 down before half-time.

It marked the continuation of an alarming pattern of poor defensive displays, leaving Brough frustrated.

He said: “They’re second for a reason, but you just can’t afford to gift a side like that goals.

“We’ve done it all season, giving cheap goals away, and when you do that you face an uphill battle from the beginning.

“We need to be more ruthless, because we’re too nice. Winners are ruthless.

“To concede nine goals in three games is not good enough.”