MANAGER Ian Long says he was disappointed by the performance levels of his Tividale players despite their 2-0 home win over Brigg Town last Saturday.

The nature of the win left the boss at The Beeches demanding a reaction ahead of a tough looking run-in to their first campaign in the Northern Premier League Division One South.

Goals from defender Mark Smith and midfielder Sam Williams gave them the points against Brigg but Long couldn't see past the below-par showing.

"We were absolutely rubbish," said Long. "We went 2-0 up early on and then took our foot off the gas. We never got out of first gear.

"I don't know if it was too easy for them and they let their standards slip, but I expect better. We passed up a good chance to improve our goal difference.

"We are nowhere near where we need to be if we are to pose a threat against the better sides in this division.

"We have a difficult run-in against teams above us so must get back to form. I'm sure we will raise our game against better sides but that doesn't excuse the way we performed against Brigg.

"I don't care about the scoreline because we didn't get near to the levels we should be at."

Tivi will face Stocksbridge Park Steels at home this Saturday before travelling to league leaders Mickleover Sports next Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the club were boosted with the news that Saturday's goalscorer Sam Williams turned down a move to neighbours Stourbridge.

The Glassboys made an official approach last week but were turned down by the midfielder.

The 27-year-old, who first played for Tivi in 2005, said: “I was made aware of the interest from Stourbridge earlier this week and it’s always flattering when other clubs recognise your performances with your current employers.

“Having said that, I really like it here. I get on with the manager and the coaching staff extremely well and I’ve played here at Tividale for a long time.

“We have a great team ethic and the non-playing staff play a massive part. We’re all pulling in the right direction.

“We’ve been very successful on the pitch over the course of the past 18 months, had an extremely good first season at this level and with no disrespect to Stourbridge, I never really felt I could make the move away from this club.”

Long added: "I can understand why Stourbridge would want Sam. He is the sort of midfielder they are missing.

"It does show that Tividale is a difficult place to leave. Hopefully it will put other clubs off coming in for our other players as well."

Tividale have bolstered their squad with the arrival of Causeway United forward Danny Priest.