Martin Ling called on his side to show more consistency following Tuesday night's 2-2 draw with in-form Rushden.

Speaking after second half goals from Paul Carden and Brian Saah had cancelled out strikes from Rushden's Lee Tomlin and Jefferson Louis, Ling said: "I'm pleased with our comeback, but if I'm going to speak honestly, the first half was nowhere near good enough.

"The second half was a completely different kettle of fish, but you can't just not play for half the game and I've told them that. We didn't pass the ball properly, and they were getting to the ball first and winning every challenge. We didn't compete well enough."

United did have their chances in a first period dominated by the visitors, notably when Andy Parkinson got clear on goal but shot over the bar when a pass to the unmarked Chris Holroyd would have left the 15-goal striker with a tap in.

"It was a good chance, and we had a few other good chances in the first half," commented Ling. "If we can create opportunities when we're not playing well then you can see that we'll be a good side when we start putting in consistent performances.

"We've got some proper footballers here, they show me all the time in training and when we're playing well, but in some matches they seem to think that it's OK to take their foot off the pedal. We fire them up before the games, but once they cross the line it's up to the players show everyone how good they are.

"People talk about brave players being the ones who make a crunching tackle, or clear a ball off the line, but for me a brave player is someone who is prepared to get on the ball, take responsibility, and show some passion.

"That's the kind of bravery I showed in my career, and I expect my players to show the same qualities. That first half was not good enough, but I'll take the second half and a point," he said.

United grabbed a lifeline when Paul Carden won a tackle in midfield and thundered in a shot from 30 yards. They levelled four minutes later when Brian Saah got on the end of a Courtney Pitt free kick to head in at the far post.

Ling said: "It was a great strike from Paul Carden, I'm told he gets one of those a year, but as my assistant manager I expect him to score at least five! Then Courtney's put a great ball into the box and Brian Saah, who got about one goal in a million games for me at Orient, has headed it in. It's good to see Brian get on the scoresheet because I think he's been having a good time here.

"I'm pleased with the way we finished the match, but not the 90 minute display. We only played in spurts, so I don't come away feeling too satisfied because we didn't show what we're about. We won't get anywhere if we can't put in the performances consistently for the whole match, and once we can do that everyone will be happy," he added.

Looking ahead to Saturday's FA Cup clash with York, Ling faces a selection headache, with central midfielders Paul Carden and Jai Reason both set to serve suspensions after picking up their fifth bookings of the season in the Rushden match.

Ling said CRC youngster Sam Ives will be handed a start, and hinted that he may look to reinforce his squad with a loan signing.

"With them both being out I'll have to have a think about what we do. Ives will play, and I've got a few other ideas, but it's a bit early to make any decisions. We need to get this match out of our systems first, and then look at the next one," said the manager.

"It's not ideal to lose your two central midfielders for the same game, but probably our most consistent player tonight was the young left back, Darryl Coakley, so it shows that we've got players to come in," he concluded.

*The club e-mail addresses are not working at present due to circumstances beyond our control so please contact the club by telephone (01223 566500) with enquiries*

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