Taunton Town boss Paul West admits his side are “in the mire” after suffering two defeats in four days in Division One (S&W) of the Zamaretto League.

On Tuesday night they had two players controversially sent off in a 2-0 defeat at North Leigh, which followed a 5-0 drubbing away to Cirencester on Saturday.

The side are without a victory in their last 20 games and have slipped to third from bottom in the table.

West said: “We’re in the mire, there’s no getting away from that.

“We’ve got a good side together but we desperately need to win a game. It’s become a huge hurdle to get over and, once we do, I’m sure we’ll be fine.

“It’s massively frustrating as I absolutely hate losing and if I though someone else could come in and do a better job, I would stand down now, but I’ve got faith in the side.”

West was heavily critical of the team’s display at Cirencester but blamed the referee for Tuesday’s defeat at North Leigh.

West, who was also sent to the stands in the second half on Tuesday for his protests, said: “I had no complaints about the first penalty when our keeper Lloyd Irish brought the striker down, but to send him off as well was a joke.

“The ball was running out of play and two defenders would have got back anyway.

“Up until then and after we were well in the game but then the ref gave Neil Bailey a second yellow card for deliberate handball when he controlled the ball with the top of his shoulder.

“It was unbelievable and to top it all off we didn’t get a penalty when James Clough was scythed down.

“But there was no excuse for Saturday. We were 3-0 down at half-time and, if it was home game, I would have gone home – the defending was that bad.”

Taunton return to Wordsworth Drive on Saturday when Andover are the visitors and, next Tuesday, they travel to play Abingdon United.

WELLINGTON are home to Brislington on Saturday and host Bishop Sutton next Wednesday – both games are in the Premier Division of the Toolstation League.

On Saturday, Minehead host Clevedon United in Division One.