BURNHAM Ramblers ‘self-destructed’ in their defeat to Waltham Abbey, according to boss Bertie Brayley.

And the Leslie Field manager is now looking to bring in new players to strengthen his side.

Ramblers lost out 5-3 at Waltham Abbey in Ryman League division one north on Tuesday night.

Brayley said: “It was frustrating. We go 1-0 down from a set-piece because of terrible marking in the box.

“We work hard to get it back to 1-1, we go ahead 2-1 and they pull it back.

“We then go ahead again and instead of giving us a lift we go back into our shells.

“We self-destructed.

“I had a chat with the players afterwards and asked them if they thought they were good enough. And I think deep down some of them in their heart of hearts know that they aren’t.

“It’s up to me and my staff now to go out there and find players that are.

“Players who can come in and fight and do things the ugly way to win games.”

Burnham now have the chance to get reacquainted with Brightlingsea Regent when they visit Leslie Field in the FA Trophy on Saturday.

The two sides have met twice this season so far with Regent just edging their encounters, following a 1-1 draw in Ryman League division one north and a 3-1 win in the Robert Dyas League cup first round.

But it will be the Ramblers who probably know more about this weekend’s opponents rather than the other way around.

Brayley said: “My team haven’t had the same 11 out every week. I am trying to improve the side and it can be a bit disruptive but it has to be done.

“Having being able to watch Brightlingsea twice already this season I don’t have to rely on notes, I know where the danger areas are.

“It’s down to me now to see what formation and team I will put out.”