ASSISTANT manager John Freegard has told his players to get back to basics after surrendering a 2-1 lead at Hallen on Monday.

The coach was left bitterly disappointed after striker Dave Lloyd and captain Brad Newman gave the visitors a half time lead.

Devizes failed to get out of the starting blocks in the second half and found themselves a goal behind ten minutes after the restart.

Freegard believes no individuals were at fault, but that the players have to work better together as a team.

He said: "To give up the lead in such a soft way and so quickly was bitterly disappointing.

"The individual performances were good we just need to improve a few of the basics to win games. We need to be harder to score against."

The Devizes defence only lasted five minutes before conceding as the home side halted an attack and went on the break.

The ball was played up to the midfielder, whose mis-hit shot found its way to striker Tom Cullit and he made no mistake at the back post.

The visitors stayed composed and were level after 20 minutes. A long goal kick from keeper Andy King found hitman Lloyd, and he buried the ball from a tight angle.

After a display of fine attacking Devizes took a well-deserved lead. A short corner from midfielder Steve Sartin was picked up by an alert Newman whose exquisite shot curled in the top corner.

The Hallen side seemed inspired after the break and levelled the game within three minutes from a corner.

The ball came in to the giant 6ft 2in striker and although his free header was palmed away by King a Hallen player was in the right place to bang home the equaliser.

The home side continued to attack relentlessly and took the lead just a few minutes later with an excellent move down the middle.

The final through ball cut the Devizes defence in two for the substitute to blast in.

Devizes gathered themselves and went in search for an equaliser with wave after wave of attack but the Hallen defence stood up to everything that was thrown at it.

The hosts just sat back soaked up the pressure and waited for the right time to counter.

It came on 80 minutes and the break resulted in the striker finishing the match.

Assistant Freegard believes Saturday's match at home against Torrington is crucial as Devizes try to get their season back on track.

He was boosted by the news that midfield dynamo Nick Mooney is recovering from the flu and will be available for selection.

However, midfielders Lee Stevens will still be on holiday and Gary Campbell is on the sidelines with an ankle injury picked up against Corsham.

Freegard said: "It is vital, we have to win."