WEELEY Athletic boss Kieron Shelley felt the score painted a false picture as his side lost 5-1 in Saturday’s Border League Knockout Cup semi-final against Holland FC.

Despite Louie Newland putting Weeley in front, Holland eventually ran out clear winners, with Steve Eaton bagging a hat-trick at the Rush Green Bowl.

However, Shelley felt his players did themselves proud and played the better football for long spells.

“It wasn’t a fair reflection and the 5-1 score flattered Holland,” he said.

“We were chasing the game in the latter stages and switched off, allowing them to score three quick goals.

“But we were still very much in it heading into the latter stages.

“Tired legs caught up with us but, in terms of football, we were the better side for 70 minutes.

“It was only when the third goal went in that we had a mountain to climb – Holland grew in confidence after that and controlled the last 20 minutes.

“They’re a premier division side and so they should beat us, but we gave a good account of ourselves.

“Their manager was very complimentary afterwards and it’s taught me a couple of valuable lessons, in terms of what we need, because in terms of physicality and experience they won hands down.

“However, we certainly tried to play the right way and I was proud of my players’ performance.”

Aaron Keaney and Bruce Poole were the other Holland scorers and they now go on to play Coggeshall Town – 2-1 winners against Hedinghams United – in the final at Colchester Garrison on Tuesday night (kick-off 7.30pm).

Weeley now switch their attention back to gaining promotion from Essex and Suffolk Border League division one and they head to Bradfield Rovers on Saturday, followed by a home game against Alresford Colne Rangers Reserves at Vista Road next Wednesday (6.30pm).

Shelley’s side now sit fourth but have numerous games in hand on all the sides above.

“I’m philosophical about last week’s defeat and Now we have to focus on winning the league,” said the Weeley boss.

“It’s going to be hard, because we’ve got some difficult game coming up.

“Everyone wants to beat us and we’ve become a scalp – partly because of our league position but also because of our success in two cup competitions.

“In that respect, I guess we’ve become victims of our own success.

“however, I’m confident we can get the job done.

“We’ve just got to keep our feet on the ground and concentrate on what we have to do.”