SWINDON Town ladies manager Steve Robertson says that his side cannot afford any more slip-ups after their 3-1 home defeat to Larkhall Athletic.

However, the Town boss said that he would allow his side, who went into the match unbeaten, an off day.

“We were beaten by the better side on the day and you have to accept that,” Robertson said.

“But I do think the girls had their minds on other games - Forest Green were playing Exeter and Southampton were also playing.

“You have to be focused at this level.

“I’m not going to be too harsh on them because we have had a good start and you are allowed an off day.

“But I told them afterwards that we can’t afford to have any more.”

Robertson said that he is pleased that the Ladies will be in Plate action next weekend before taking on FA Women’s Premier League South West Division One leaders Forest Green the following week.

“It gives us something else to focus on rather than dwelling on this match,” the manager added. “We had already beaten Larkhall this season and I think that the girls thought they could do that again.”

Larkhall took the lead in the seventh minute through Liz Barratt at Cinder Lane before doubling their advantage 18 minutes later thanks to a Kelly Cripps strike.

Swindon’s Lisa Coe missed a penalty before the interval and they struggled to recover at the start of the second period.

The visitors made it 3-0 on 65 minutes when Kate German scored from distance before a Beth Thompson penalty 10 minutes from time gave Town late consolation.