ANGRY Frank Gray questioned the desire of his players after watching Basingstoke Town crash out of the FA Trophy with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Ryman League outfit Northwood.

A massive 48 league places separated the two clubs when the game kicked off on Saturday – but that was certainly not transferred on to the pitch as Town were both out-thought and out fought by their lower league hosts.

The game was ultimately decided by a goalkeeping howler from Basingstoke’s Ross Kitteridge, who punched a cross into his own net with ten minutes to go, but the victory was no more than Northwood deserved.

Speaking after the match, Town manager Gray, pictured, made it clear that he was massively disappointed with the attitude shown by his players and said that things would be changing.

“Northwood as a team wanted it more and that is not good enough,” he said. “I have to look at making changes and getting people in who do want it badly enough.

“We have made excuses the last few weeks but that was unacceptable. I have to look at things and changes will be made for the next match.”

One player who will definitely be fearing the worst is Kitteridge, whose own-goal on Saturday follows a similar blooper against Eastleigh in the FA Cup.

“It was a horrible mistake and there can be no excuses,” Gray added. “You cannot hide that but there are quite a lot of things we need to look at – not just Ross.”

Town had got off to the perfect start, Robert Rice giving them the lead after just nine minutes, but they failed to build on this and Northwood levelled at the end of the half. Basingstoke were unable to get on top after the break and the home team had a series of chances before Kitteridge literally handed them the winner.

For a full report, pictures and more reaction, see The Monday Gazette.