DARREN Manley believes his side must get fitter if they are to climb away from the Somerset Premier Division relegation zone.

Despite a good performance in a 3-1 defeat by Frys Club last weekend, Manley believes his players’ fitness must improve.

He said: “We did well again really. We were losing 1-0 at half-time – they scored 30 seconds before half time when we just switched off.

“We played really well first half, but got a few injuries and that jolted us a little bit.

“Second half we really got into them and we missed a really good one- on-one chance.

“But our fitness has to improve because that’s where their last two goals came from, we just weren’t fit enough.

“We were lagging a bit and they took advantage. I’ll be increasing our training as of next week.

“But what is pleasing is that we are competing against good sides for long periods and learning how we have got to work.

“We’re not panicking yet, it’s a long season and we are showing some improvement.”

Things don’t get easier for Ilminster as they travel to league leaders Shirehampton tomorrow.