MANAGER Marc Benterman warned his Witham Town players that he would move them on if they were not prepared to be accountable for under par performances like the second half of their trip to Dereham Town last weekend.

Witham were drawing 1-1 at half-time in their BetVictor Isthmian League division north encounter in Norfolk, but against a Dereham side reduced to ten men in the first half, they went on to capitulate after the break and conceded four goals in a 5-1 loss.

Benterman said that second 45 minutes was unacceptable and demanded that his players took responsibility for their part in it, adding that he was prepared to move people on if they were unwilling to do so.

“The players have to be accountable," said Benterman.

“You can’t always blame the manager or the system; sometimes you just have to hold your hands up as a player and take the blame.

“People don’t like to do that, but they need that accountability and they need it sharpish.

“That’s the way I want people to respond.

“I have shown faith in them by putting them into my side because I believe they can perform at this level.

“But if they are no willing to take that opportunity then we will have to look elsewhere.

“How many chances can you give people?

“We want to nurture these boys through but we are looking for accountability.

“The players need to step up to the plate and quickly."

Witham followed the league defeat at Dereham with a 4-0 defeat in the Velocity Trophy at Tilbury in midweek.

They are due to be back in league action on Saturday when they host Cambridge City at the Simarco Stadium (kick-off 3pm).