Adam Birchall believes his under-18s side needs to focus on getting the basics right and an improvement in individual moments, following the 6-2 defeat to Aston Villa in the U18 Premier League South on Saturday, November 1.

Goals from Marley Frohock and Ceadach O'Neill came as a consolation in a game that had already slipped away before half-time.

"Just really disappointed. Disappointed in the manner in which we are currently losing games.

"When we need people to really step up and do that extra bit for the team, we feel like we're lacking at the moment. It's really simple for me, and I'm disappointed."

Four goals down at the break, Adam opted to introduce Patrick Statchow, Bowen Phillips and Frohock to the affair as substitutes, which made an impact in what was a much even second 45.

Adam admitted that Villa had sat off after the break, so it was a chance to inject something different, and noticed an improvement in possession, but it was the simple elements of the game that he felt lacked conviction. "I'd probably put that down to them as well," he said. "Not being as aggressive in their attacking actions and also...