LITTLE Oakley assistant manager Paul Sadler has given an honest assessment of Saturday’s 10-1 FA Vase drubbing at Tower Hamlets - and admits it was the most “inept” performance he can remember during his long association with the Acorns.

Stephen Polley scored the consolation goal, pouncing on a defensive error to make it 3-1.

However, it was the only crumb of comfort on a miserable afternoon.

“It was a day to forget,” said Sadler, who works alongside first-team boss Sean Tynan.

“For me personally, having been involved with the club for a number of years, as a player and manager, I can’t remember such an inept display.

“What should have been a special day for the players, club and travelling fans turned into one we’ll remember for all the wrong reasons.

“We knew it would be tough but you could see in the warm up that the players were not focussed.

“After 30 seconds, that was even more apparent when we found ourselves a goal behind - soon followed by another two in as many minutes.

“Despite a glimmer of hope at 3-1, defensive frailties were again to blame for conceding further goals before the break.

“It became a case of pride but, once again, we showed none of that in our second-half performance and paid the ultimate price with a humiliating defeat.”

Oakley will be desperate to get back on track when they return to Thurlow Nunn League first division action at home to Downham Town tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

The Acorns are currently fourth from bottom with two wins from their ten matches.

“A performance like that is unacceptable at any level of football and hopefully the players involved have had a long, hard think about their own personal performances and put matters right next time out,” added Sadler.

“It’s now all about how we respond as a unit.

“On a positive note, Jordan Heath returned to action last week with a hat-trick for the reserves.

“Both Ben Hammond and Sam Eldridge have returned to training and both hope to be fit to start playing again in a few weeks.”