NORTH Leigh manager John Brough criticised his side’s display as they went down 4-1 at home to Evesham United on Saturday, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

The Millers, who were unbeaten in seven matches, were punished for a lacklustre display by the Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West play-off contenders.

It came ahead of last night’s Buildbase FA Trophy replay at home to South Park, where the winners earned a trip to Tranmere Rovers in the second round.

Despite missing several first team players, Brough was disappointed with the display.

He said: “You can’t win a game against a side like Evesham when only five of your team have really performed.

“Too many players were well below the levels I expected from them and we got punished.

“We were missing a few players – three of our first choice back four were missing – but the squad players who’ve stepped in have to do better.”

The presence of captain Stuart Hole was sorely missed as he began a four-match suspension after a second red card of the season in North Leigh’s 3-3 draw with Hereford.

“We definitely missed Stuart,” Brough said. “Before his suspension he was fantastic and he’s very difficult to replace.”

“I don’t expect any of the lads who’ve come in to be Stuart, because only he can do that, but I can ask them to give their all.”

Brough added: “Apart from Saturday I’ve not had any reason to have even a little grumble at them. We’ve just got to put it to the back of our minds now, because we have some big matches coming up.”

North Leigh travel to fifth-placed Swindon Supermarine on Boxing Day, before hosting Didcot Town in their first match of 2017.

l See witneygazette.co.uk/sport for a report from last night's game.