BOSS Kristian Morgan questioned the commitment levels at Orleton Colts following Saturday’s fifth defeat in a row.

Colts fought back from two down to level their HFA Charity Bowl tie with league rivals Ledbury Town but conceded twice late on to lose 4-2.

An Aaron Davies penalty and a Kyle Whitticase free-kick restored parity after Orleton had been two down at the interval but with the match poised for extra-time, the hosts were picked off in the final 10 minutes.

And with Colts just three points off the relegation places in the Herefordshire League Premier Division, Morgan hankers to name a more settled side.

“We have a good team but have lacked a goalscorer since James Byatt left for Brown Clee and with us not being able to name the same side every week, it has been difficult,” said Morgan.

“There is always two or three missing and that has played a big part in it. We are in a rut and confidence is low at the moment.

“I don’t know why but that same level of commitment isn’t there like it used to be and we are struggling with it. You need a settled back-four at least so it has been hard to find enough consistency in selection to do well.

“It is not easy for the lads. A lot of them are in agriculture and sometimes don’t know until the last minute whether or not they can make it so your plans constantly have to change.

“I think we know we are not going to do anything this season and our main aim now is to try to stay in the league.

“It is not all doom and gloom just yet but we do need to start picking up wins sooner rather than later. I would like us to target at least five more wins and while that is optimistic with how things have gone so far, it is achievable.

“This is the poorest season we have been involved with for a long time and it is annoying because we have a good set of players.”

The task gets no easier for Orleton on Saturday when leaders Hinton visit but Morgan remains upbeat.

“They are top and doing well but have not been hammering teams and we have beaten them a few times in recent years,” he added.

“If we can get a full squad together, I fancy our chances of getting something but it all depends because we keep losing two or three players ahead of matches.”