Berko boss is baffled by Dunstable display

The Comrades boss had called on an improved performance from his side following their draw with Colney Heath last week, but again he was left scratching his head.

“It was shocking,” said Vipond. “It was all a bit flat and I can’t really understand it.

“Everyone seemed up for it in the changing room before the game and there was a great atmosphere around the place, but the players just went out there and didn’t perform.”

Saturday’s defeat saw the Comrades slip to second spot in the SSML Premier Division, and Vipond has called for his team to take more responsibility on the field.

“It’s all well and good me talking to the players but we just need them to have that in their lockers themselves.

“We can’t be teaching them everything week in, week out, because we are playing senior football and we want a bit more responsibility from the players.”

Despite his disappointment at the result, Vipond praised Dunstable for the way they approached the game.

He said: “AFC came with a game plan and played with two 6ft centre-forwards which took us by surprise.

“I’ve got to hold my hands up a bit as well.”

Although the performance wasn’t what Vipond had called for, he remains optimistic that his side will soon bounce back to form.

“In the second half we played some really nice football,” he said. “We got the ball down and created some really good chances.

“We haven’t been top of the league by luck; we have played good football and had some good results.

“Over the coming weeks we will look to get back to the levels that we know we can.”