We have to toughen up, says Shipston boss Hedderman

SHIPSTON Excelsior manager Steve Hedderman says his players need to “toughen up” following Saturday’s 4-2 defeat at FC Shush.

Tyron Smith’s hat-trick and one from substitute Dylan Richardson cancelled out Shaye Eden’s brace as Shipston slipped to their seventh league defeat of the campaign.

Hedderman said: “The lads gave everything, but we’ve made four errors and we’ve been punished for them. “We are too soft at times and we have to toughen up a bit. But we won’t be feeling sorry for ourselves.

“It’s difficult as it feels like we’re playing against 13 men every game. The officiating on Saturday was atrocious. We want to be able to trust the officials to do their job and manage the game better.”

On Saturday, Shipston go to Birmingham University Medics in the first round of the Birmingham Vase.