Defiant Crosbie insists March Town United will stick with three at the back

DEFIANT boss Paul Crosbie insists March Town United will continue to play with three at the back despite shipping six against Swaffham Town on Saturday.

The Hares have conceded 14 goals in their last three Thurlow Nunn First Division games and Saturday’s 6-1 defeat saw their league losing run stretch to six games.

But Crosbie said he would stick to his attacking principles and his preferred formation, which includes playing just three outright defenders.

“People are raising questions about whether we should be playing three at the back,” he said.

“It’s not those three defenders who are responsible for the team’s defensive duties, it’s all 10 outfield players.

“We’ve actually had more wins playing three at the back than we have playing with four. We will persevere with it and our aim is to get the players to trust in that formation.”

A mistake from goalkeeper Ben Collett, a 30-yard strike and some suspect refereeing decisions contributed to March’s pasting at the weekend. Danny Emmington’s solo goal was one of the few Hares highlights.

Crosbie said: “The result was horrific but the performance wasn’t. We had 15 or 16 opportunities which is the most we’ve created in a game since the start of September.

“It’s going to sound daft, but we saw the green shoots of a revival on Saturday. I’m aware that sounds ridiculous after we’ve just conceded six at home.”

Another “green shoot” of revival had sprouted on the eve of Saturday’s game as former captain Luke Pepper rejoined his hometown club after leaving Yaxley.

Crosbie said: “Luke is an extra voice, which we have perhaps lacked, and he brings experience and confidence.

“I think it sends the right message that even though we’re on this poor run, people still want to be part of what we’re trying to build here.

“I’m not here for a few months, I’m here for the long-term project. It will improve.”

March’s next game is on December 1, when they host Debenham LC.