"The game shows no mercy for the arrogance of thinking you are better than you are or not wanting to be there."

These were the words of Nolan Keeley as he summarised the team performance on the individual and collective assessment form we complete for every youth fixture. Quite simply, this sums up our performance.We fell into the trap of not wanting to battle either physically or mentally.

Having hauled ourselves back into the game at 2-2, we made the same mistake again. In the first half we failed physically, in the second half we failed mentally. Throughout the afternoon, only Sam Cutler, Piers Wixon and Rory McAuley emerged with their reputations enhanced. The injured Craig Bussens did so without appearing as we badly missed his workrate and direct play on our right flank. The desire and commitment that he epitomises was not evident in many from 1-11.

Having stressed the importance of bouncing back from the disappointment of our FA Youth Cup exit less than 48 hours before this game, the players failed to show the mental strength required to beat a physically strong but technically inept side. We have shown that with the right mentality and matching our opponents physically, we can beat anyone in this league. Just look at Wroxham away. Saturday proved once again the opposite is also true and Harwich will not gain many easier three points this season.

Having looked so much more solid this term, our defending was back to the horror story of last season. The opening goal was the culmination of our entire back four not getting tight enough, resulting in a far post tap in, and our visitors doubled their advantage in the opening quarter hour with an absolute gift .You would not see a worse goal conceded on Coldhams Common. A long defensive clearance beat both of our centre backs, and bounced twice in our penalty area before being lashed home from close range with our goalkeeper and defenders conspicuous by their absence.

Last season, with goals of this nature being given away on a regular basis, we could simply conclude that individually and collectively we were not good enough. Endless hours of doing the basics were drilled into the players on the training ground. When these defensive frailties come out of the blue (we had only suffered one defeat in ten before Saturday), it is harder to explain.

People will talk about the inconsistency of youngsters but in fact we have been very consistent. It may be that the culmination of so many high octane matches in such a short period of time took their toll on the players, especially the likes of Lewis Carr and Zac Costello, who we have been unable to rest. It is the mental fatigue rather than a physical deterioration that leads to a lack of concentration and mistakes. At least we now have the chance to take stock, talk to the players and do some individual work away from the pressure of matches in the Ridgeons League.

Our response to the early setbacks showed good character within the team and Piers Wixon executed a really difficult header superbly to provide us with a lifeline. Zac Costello then finished in style with an expertly taken half volley to ensure parity at the break. Unfortunately, a catalogue of missed chances punctuated the start of the second half and let our opponents off the hook whilst they were still on the back foot. More hesitant defending led to our eventual downfall, although in fairness to our visitors, both finishes were out of the top drawer and worthy of winning a better game.

We will take our medicine and if the players can learn from Saturday, it will be worth losing the three points. We must never forget that we are a finishing school for young players so highlights and good results will always be interspersed with disappointing displays like Saturday. It's all part of the learning curve but the trick is how quick you learn and not to repeat the same mistakes.

In the case of young players, their development is often determined more by their mentality and maturity than any technical improvements. The match on Saturday was a case in point and the players recognising it is crucial.

Jez George

Team: McShane, Bowe (McAuley 30), Collins (Kirby 70), Carr, Costello, Hyem, Willmott, Cutler (Ives 60), Wixon, Marriott, Paterson.