FURIOUS Verwood Town boss Adie Arnold ripped into his players and questioned their fitness following a poor performance at Romsey.

The Potters were beaten 1-0 by the basement outfit on Saturday after producing a rusty display in their first Wessex League game for three weeks.

Manager Arnold slammed his team after Matt Austin had netted a late winner to hand Verwood a fourth successive Premier Division defeat.

The long-serving Potterne Park chief pulled no punches in his assessment and revealed there had been harsh words after the loss.

Arnold told the Daily Echo: “The lads looked sluggish around the pitch and were second best.

“I am looking for a response against New Milton on Saturday because I won’t put up with performances like that. They were so lethargic.

“We were a yard off the pace all over the pitch.

“Our lads looked unfit. The emphasis is on them now in the next two games.”

Arnold, who said goalkeeper Chris Lynch was the only Verwood player to emerge with credit, added: “We locked the door for 20 minutes after the game and there were a few home truths. I know we have got quality and now it is up to the players.”

Potters: Lynch, Evans, J Smith, Kelly, Long, Saxby, Edwards (O’Connell, 75), Gajic, Dyer, Webb, Satterley. Unused subs: Gilham, Kimber, Rhodes.