Badshot Lea manager Gavin Smith has admitted the club are going through a tough time after Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at home to Uxbridge.

The defeat leaves the Baggies rooted to the bottom of the Isthmian League South Central Division, with three points from 14 games.

“We were beaten by a team that's way better than us in terms of quality and experience,” said Smith.

“Uxbridge deservedly won 4-0 and it probably could have been more. We were nowhere near the level, which is disappointing.

“Against Southall, Moneyfields and South Park we were competitive, but Uxbridge were levels above us.

“We've got to accept where we're at – if Uxbridge turn up and put in a performance they're going to beat us.

“We were nowhere near the level and it almost looked like a Step 5 team playing a Step 4 team.

“We need to be realistic with the group on where we're at.

“I would have liked us to be competitive and show a bit more quality, but it wasn't there. I've got to give Uxbridge credit, because they didn't let us do anything.

“We've got to take it on the chin. It's not nice and the boys will be pretty down. I know they've got good quality, but that quality wasn't enough.

“It's hard to take because I want to be competitive and win. When we come up against teams who are on it we find it difficult.

“At the minute I feel we need everyone fit and available and to catch a team on a bad day, and even then we're getting draws.

“It's tough. That's the way it seems to be but we’re trying not to get down about it. We want to do well.

“It's a lot of lows at the minute – I think this is the worst period I've had.

“This level's hard for us at the minute – as a squad it's been very tough. We've got to keep plugging away and try to turn the corner.”

The Baggies suffered an injury blow against Uxbridge when defender Alex Merrifield limped off in the first half, and Smith admitted the injury doesn’t look good.

“I don't know what Alex has done but he's heard a crack so that could be him out for a good period of time,” said Smith.

“We brought him in to bring experience and he's settled in well – he's a good football player.

“To lose him in the first half hit us hard because we were light anyway. It doesn't look good for him.”