Holders bow out of Birmingham Saturday Vase

And manager Barry Shearsby was pulling no punches after the game.

“As holders of the Birmingham Saturday Vase we were looking to have a good run again this year but we let ourselves down big time,” said Shearsby.

“We again created enough chances to win the game but our overall performance was simply not good enough, with players not giving their all for their team-mates and that is what has annoyed myself and my coaching staff more than anything.”

Town had started brightly against their Midland League Division Three hosts, putting the home side under sustained pressure.

However, a 25th-minute defensive error gifted Barton the lead and Whitnash never looked like rescuing the situation.

Shearsby added: “This result was hard to take from my point of view as we should be beating teams like Barton United.

“No disrespect to them as they worked their socks off for the result.

“We seem to have a few that think we just enter the pitch and win because we have had it so good for a few years at the club.

“But this season we have had to change a few things and we need to earn the right to win a football game first.

“After a few words after the match I am hoping it has sunk in and we can kick on this weekend in the Charity Cup at home to Christ the King.”

Town’s reserves lost 7-3 at Alvis to make it a miserable weekend for the club.