CANVEY soccer boss Jeff King claimed "appalling defending" in the opening half had been the major factor in Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by a Tamworth side who had gone into the match propping up the Conference table.

"We were certainly flattered by the 1-0 scoreline in their favour at half-time," he admitted.

"To be honest they could have easily have been four or five ahead.

"We changed things at half-time and were excellent in the second half. We dominated play and could well have got something for a couple of excellent saves by their goalkeeper and two or three goal-line clearances."