Dean Gorre couldn’t put his finger on why Saints reserves performed so poorly in their 4-0 loss to Reading.

The assistant first team coach, who was taking charge of the second string along with Michael Svensson, was stunned by some of the displays at Aldershot yesterday, particularly as the players had the added incentive of Mark Wotte watching from the stands.

It just seemed to be one of those afternoons that football occasionally throws up where most of the team were below par and unable to lift themselves.

Gorre said: “I am very very disappointed, especially because before the game you thought they will do the right things and show they are capable of playing in the first team and it went the opposite way. It makes you frustrated.

“We have to give Reading some credit – they played a good game and had some good players.

“Lita had a good game, scored a great free kick and scored again and Reading played well but we were poor and that made them look even better.

“It’s disappointing we didn’t battle or show anything that we can.

“The players were below standard, below their own individual standards, and to play in a team with everybody below standard is frustrating.

“I’m not talking about Callum McNish, he’s a first year scholar and for me has done well as did Ryan Doble and Oscar did OK but of the first team players who are squad players only Ryan Smith came close.

“He showed creativity, that he wanted to be there and he showed the manager he is able to play in the first team and showed his quality at times.

“If they see the manager in the stand you expect a lift and something extra from the players but it wasn’t there and for what reason I don’t know.”

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