SCREWFIX DIVISION ONE: CORSHAM co-manager Dave King labelled his side's performance as the worst he has seen this season as Bitton eased to victory at The Southbank.

Two second half goals sealed the hosts' fate and ended an impressive two-match winning run that has seen them climb away from the foot of the First Division table.

Monday night's setback came just 48 hours after a fine victory over league leaders Exmouth Town and King was angry his men had let their standards slip. He said: "It was our worst performance of the season without doubt. What makes it more disappointing is that it has come on the back of two great results.

"It wasn't complacency, but the lads just haven't done what they are supposed to do out there. There was noting in the game I can be positive about. We were poor and they were sharper than us. We got no more than we deserved."

King was left mystified as to why his side had under-performed so badly on the night. He said: "I'm not saying the players didn't try, they went out there and worked their socks off. But you have got to be able to go out there and do quality things, like pass the ball.

"We have been doing that over the last two games, but on Monday we struggled all over the park. None of the lads can come off with any credit. That might sound harsh, but not one of them had a good game."

Bitton failed to capitalise on the hosts' poor performance in the first half, but were gifted the lead after the interval. Corsham skipper Richard Thompson's back-pass to Paul Weekes fell five yards short, and Mike Branch nipped in to round the goalkeeper and score his 15th league goal of the season.

A close-range header doubled the visitors' lead, and Corsham offered little in the way of a response. Danny Beck squandered their best chance when he burst past a defender on the left and found himself through on goal, but his attempted lob was easily saved by the advancing goalkeeper.

To add to Corsham's woes, Frankie Coleman limped off with a knee injury and could miss Saturday's crucial game at fellow strugglers Street.

The Somerset side were recently docked six points for fielding an ineligible player and find themselves fourth from bottom, one place and two points behind Saturday's visitors.

Co-boss John Freegard is a doubt after missing the last two games with a groin injury, while Russell Lodge is on Wiltshire U18s duty. New signing Dan Slattery is suspended, but midfielder Jamie Harrison returns to the squad.

Said King: "We beat them 3-1 at our place, but it wasn't as convincing as the scoreline sounds. They have recently had a change of manager and will be fighting for their lives.

"Both John (Freegard) and I have shown our disappointment after Monday's game and they have got to do something about it on Saturday."

Corsham face their third Monday night home game on the trot when they entertain King's former club Larkhall two days later, kick off 7.45pm.

Said King: "They are a good footballing side and play the best football I have seen in this division.

"The reason they are struggling is because they haven't scored goals. It should be a good battle and it is about time we won a local derby."