Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

Worthing boss Adam Hinshelwood wants his players to convert the good work they are doing in training into 90-minute performances to get their form back on track.

A late goal condemned them to a 2-1 defeat at Braintree on Saturday – their third straight loss, although their first away league reverse.

Hinshelwood is worried by periods in games when his side are looking flat and is determined to get them firing again for an important run of three National South fixtures in eight days.

Braintree v Worthing in Mike Gunn’s pictures.

Worthing in action at Braintree | Picture: Mike Gunn

Ollie Pearce gave Worthing an early lead at Braintree but the hosts quickly levelled and won it with an 87th minute penalty.

Hinshelwood said: “We started well but didn’t build on it. When they equalised it seemed to deflate us.

"It looked like it would finish 1-1 then they won a harsh penalty from us trying to play out from the back. Again it’s fine margins – as in the previous two games.

"There’s not been a lot between the games we’ve lost and some we’ve won. The lads are brilliant in training and I can’t fault their application but we just need to convert what we do in training to performances over a whole game.

"It’s frustrating not to have that consistency. We’ve a lot of young players and heads can drop when things don’t go their way. My job is to keep motivating them.”

Worthing are sixth in the table ahead of a home clash with Taunton on Saturday and a visit to Dulwich Hamlet next Tuesday. That’s followed by Slough’s visit to Woodside Road on Saturday week.

The manager said: “We’re still in a good position and we’re getting positive comments from opposition managers.

"I’m not going to hide behind excuses like injury problems or referees’ decisions – we just need to focus on ourselves and start winning again. We’ve a hectic week coming up and maybe that’s what we need.”

The Rebels have signed another striker – the powerful ex-Dulwich forward Ibby Akanbi, who made his debut at Braintree.

They will be without centre-half Aarran Racine for three games after he was sent off for his part in a late melee at Braintree. Midfielder Kane Wills is doubtful with a groin strain and Cam Tutt is not quite ready to return after concussion.

Hinshelwood on how Worthing FC can end their blip