Badshot Lea manager Gavin Smith bemoaned his side’s sloppiness after they slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Metropolitan Police in the Isthmian League South Central Division.

The hosts took an early lead in the fifth minute through Mason Galloway’s goal, but the Baggies got back on level terms on 36 minutes through Steven Sylla’s penalty.

Galloway then scored his second of the afternoon in the 48th minute to put the hosts 2-1 up.

The visitors pushed hard for an equaliser, but it failed to arrive and the Baggies fell to a narrow defeat.

Smith felt his side could have got something from the game, and was frustrated that they had conceded goals within the first five minutes of both halves.

“I’ve lost count of the amount of times we’ve conceded goals at the start of the game or the start of the second half this season,” said Smith.

“They are key moments in the game and you need to manage them to get a foothold in the game.

“It’s sloppy to keep conceding goals at those times.

“It was an important game for Metropolitan Police in their battle to avoid relegation, and they got nervy towards the end of the game.

“We had a bit of pressure and created chances, and I think on the balance of play we deserved a point.

“I didn’t look at Metropolitan Police and think they were better than us – ultimately Mason Galloway was the difference.”

The Baggies will host Hayes & Yeading United on Saturday (3pm), before travelling to Ascot United on Easter Monday (3pm).

“Hayes & Yeading and Ascot are both pushing to finish in the play-offs and will see playing against us as an opportunity to get three points,” said Smith.

“We deservedly got a point at Hayes & Yeading – and I want us to play well against them on Saturday.”