ILMINSTER Town manager Darren Manley believes it is down to the players if they are to avoid relegation from the premier division of the Somerset county league this season.

On Saturday the Blues lost 3-1 at home to Yatton, leaving themselves firmly in a relegation dogfight.

But Manley feels he has done all he can to help guide the team away from trouble this season.

Manley said: “To be honest I don’t think there’s any more we can do in terms of motivation, tactics and bringing in new players.

“It’s down the individual players to look and themselves and see how much they want to give.”

Saturday’s defeat was doubly disappointing because the Blues should have been out of sight by half time. They missed six good chances including two one-on-ones.

As it was they had to settle for a superb 25 yard goal from a free kick by Brad Miles.

Manley added: “At half time I just said to carry on the way we had been playing but the second half performance was completely different.

“The work-rate wasn’t there and we gave away three goals from mistakes.

“It’s very disappointing because if we are going to stay up we need to be beating teams like Yatton.”

Ilminster face a tough challenge on Saturday when they entertain second placed Clutton (2pm).

Ilminster: Wayne Lewis, Will Boyer, Jonny May, Ashley Locke, George Miles, Taylor Jefferson, Brad Miles, Darren Manley (Adam Male), Richard Crabbe (Jordan Turner), Charlie Rutter and Chris Nezianya.