HOLLAND FC manager Paul Phelan believes discipline levels must improve if his side are to fulfil their potential this season.

Joe Martin's red card in Saturday's 2-0 defeat at home to Lopes Tavares was their fourth of the season, following early baths for both Jimmy Webb (twice) and Liam Phelan.

Webb also spent ten minutes in the sin bin for arguing with the referee, meaning that at one point the hosts were down to nine men.

Boss Phelan believes things must improve because, if not, the situation will keep costing his side precious points.

"We've had four red cards and too many yellows," he said.

"I can accept a player picking up a booking for a well-intentioned tackle that's a bit late or mistimed. It's a physical game, after all.

"But when a player makes a lazy challenge - a tackle they've had to make because of a lack of fitness - I get annoyed.

"And I certainly can't accept players talking themselves into trouble by arguing with referees.

"Why give the officials a decision to make?

"It's so needless and ill-discipline like that is going to cost us."

Despite his frustrations, Phelan believes his side can be as good as any in Thurlow Nunn League first division south - as they proved in their victories against Coggeshall United and Harwich and Parkeston.

However, two wins, two draws and three defeats from their seven games shows they need to be more consistent.

"I didn't have any complaints, in terms of last week's result," he said.

"We didn't play as we're capable of or get near the heights of our recent (Essex Senior Cup) victory against Little Oakley.

"Ability-wise, we've got some very talented players and, on our day, we know we're a match for anyone in the division.

"But it's no good going from hero to zero, from brilliant to dreadful.

"We need to be more consistent in every department."

Holland return to league action at Newbury Forest on Saturday.