We had to show the fans our respect! Gregg Smith says Boston United faithful deserved players' apologies following 9-2 Fylde hammering

Gregg Smith believes that fronting up to the Boston United fans was the least the Pilgrims could do after their 9-2 thumping at AFC Fylde.
Gregg Smith.Gregg Smith.
Gregg Smith.

Immediately after suffering their heaviest defeat since 1999’s 8-0 drubbing at Bath City, the United team made their way to the away fans to shake hands, apologise and discuss the defeat.

It was a gesture which went down well with the travelling support, and those home fans who stayed on to watch, but Smith said it was the least the players could do.

“They follow us every single week without fail, they deserved more,” the striker admitted.

“We went 1-0 up but I just think we did the wrong things. Defending all through the team, one to 11, we weren’t good enough and the fans deserved better.

Fylde are unbelievable, but all I can do is apologise on behalf of the players and myself.

“Each of us work, they’re a full time outfit, they train every day.

“It makes a big difference but that’s no excuse - we apologise to the supporters, we had to show them respect.

“They travelled four-and-a-half hours, I left the house at 10 and they did the same, the least they deserve is our respect and appreciation for what they do.”

The Coasters, almost certainly the best side United have faced in the past five seasons, at least, dominated the contest from start to finish, showing a ruthlessness as they capitalised on an error-strewn performance by the Pilgrims.

But Smith has pledged that the humiliating hammering will only act as a catalyst to change things for the Pilgrims.

He added: “We’ll go into training, re-group, stick together and, hopefully we’ll turn our season around here.

“We’re tight knit. We don’t want to fall out with each oither, what does that solve? Everything goes to pot then.

“The group we have got is very good, but everything they put on target went in - a freak game.”