Witham Town’s players have been left in no doubt what their manager expects from them as they bid to escape the “relegation dogfight” that they have found themselves embroiled in.

Boss Garry Kimble told the Times last week that he was confident he had the squad to steer a path clear of the Ryman League premier division trapdoor, but he also knows personnel count for nothing if application isn’t there.

He certainly felt that wasn’t the case in the first half of their defeat at Wingate and Finchley on Saturday and is demanding better when they head to Billericay Town on Saturday.

Kimble said: “The first half (at Wingate and Finchley) was the worst performance that I’ve seen since I’ve been here in my four fours and I include our Essex Senior League days in there as well.

“It was so disappointing.

“We are in a dog fight and people have to look at what they bring to the table.

“If they don’t meet my criteria, they can leave.

“I’m looking at everyone and what they can bring to us.

“We are in a relegation dogfight now."