STANWAY Rovers boss Danny Slatter admitted that it came down to “fine margins” in their 1-0 defeat to Stansted at The Hawthorns, writes MARK TUXFORD.

The Essex Senior League game saw James Crisell given a straight red card for foul language towards the referee, in the second half.

“We are not quite wise enough to nullify the opposition at times," Slatter said.

“It’s all about fine margins for us at the moment; we are getting there slowly but we are struggling with important players missing and fielding a consistent team on a regular basis to be honest."

Stansted’s John Clarke scored the only goal of the game, midway through the first half.

He met Billy Coyne’s pinpoint free-kick delivery to nod past Luke Skinner, in the home goal.

“It’s been a few silly errors and conceding from set-pieces which has been our downfall,” Slatter said.

“You could go through all the goals we have conceded this season, I can’t remember one team opening us up at all.

“But then on the other hand, the goals we have scored this season have been absolutely fantastic by playing good football like we did tonight - unfortunately we just couldn’t get that rub of the green.”

Rovers had a whole host of chances to equalise against the Airportmen and in truth, should have scored more as the game progressed which would have put the visitors comfortably out of sight.

However, Stanway’s cause was made all the more difficult when Crisell let his frustrations known to the referee, the midfielder subsequently received his marching orders soon after.

“It was the correct decision, no complaints.” Slatter admitted.

"When I was a player I found myself in those situations but you learn from it and move on.

"Credit to the boys who kept on going, even when we went down to ten.

“At the end of the day we could be out here all night and the ball still probably wouldn’t have gone in the back of their net, it was just one of those nights unfortunately.”

Stanway are next in action on Saturday afternoon in the Essex Senior League, as they look to put their latest defeat behind them and claim a much-needed win with the visit of Cockfosters to The Hawthorns.