Hadleigh United manager Steve Holder is confident his beleaguered side can turn things around again, just as they did last season when they suffered a poor sat but then went on a 10-match unbeaten run.

A 3-0 defeat by Lakenheath at Millfield in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division has left Holder's side without a win in three league games and an FA Cup tie.

But Holder is remaining calm and points to his disrupted side's ability, squad strength, and young players coming through as positive aspects. All they need is to get the rub of the green.

George Bugg denied (Picture: Nub News)

On a pristine pitch, the Brettsiders should have, could have, would have, had the game wrapped up by half time had Asa Milliard and George Bugg in particular had taken their chances.

They were denied by good goalkeeping from Charlie Beckwith, the crossbar, and unfortunate bounce of the ball, all adding to Holder's frustration.

While Jack Baker was thwarted by the bar, Hadleigh were punished when debut-making Jack Spurling, signed on a dual registration with Henley, pushed a long range effort his his bar but a Heath forward was first to react to give the visitors an opener against the run of play.

How did that not go in? (Picture: Nub News)

"If we had taken our chances in the first half we could easily have been four to five up," groaned Holder. "Whereas they {Lakenheath) have had one shot in the first half and its came off the bar and gone in.

Hadleigh, with Liam Wales back in the middle with Carlos Edwards pivoting the play, looked good in spells but were hit with a devastating one-two midway through the second half from last season's League Cup winners.

"We were committing men up front looking for that goal, and they have hit us again," said Holder.

"We are playing well. I would be more worried if we were playing badly, but we are not, and I'm sure our luck will change.

Max Tate getting stuck in (Picture: Nub News)

One positive was more minutes for two Hadleigh players that have stepped up from the youth system.

Max Tate and Reuben Chinnery both came off the bench in the second half and Holder is pleased with their progress.

"It is vital for every club to bring young players through and both have done very well.

Reuben Chinnery (middle Hadleigh player) (Picture: Nub News)

"We have a good squad so are are able to dip them in and out and use them in the under-23s as well.

"They get a taste of first team football, which is good for them, good for the cub and good for the town to see these young players coming through.

"It is hard to compete with so much money flying around so hopefully we can bring a few more young lads through."

Holder will be looking to secure that elusive first win for Hadleigh on Tuesday night when they take on Walsham le Willows at Millfield on Tuesday night, kick off 7.45pm. Bar open, food available.