STRIKER Steve Foster criticised the state of the Silverlands pitch after Radcliffe Borough crashed out of the FA Trophy on Saturday.

Following heavy rain, the 32-year-old fans favourite was shocked at the decision to play the second qualifying round tie at Buxton and highlighted the poor conditions as one of the reasons for the Evo-Stik First Division North strugglers’ 5-1 defeat.

First half goals from Niall Doran and Fabrice Bembo-Leta put Buxton in control and Ashley Burbeary added a controversial third early in the second half.

Omar McKenzie scored an own goal and although Tom Hulme ended his drought with a consolation 10 minutes from time, Liam Hardy added a fifth for Buxton late on.

Foster admits Boro, who were missing several players including suspended captain Richard Smith, were not at their best against the Premier Division outfit and struggled to deal with the conditions.

“On certain areas of the pitch it got a bit soft and very slippy,” he told the Radcliffe Times.

“It got a bit dangerous at times and we were surprised the game wasn’t called off.

“One of our lads even said to the ref that perhaps he needed to reassess the situation but he seemed happy to continue. But when I had a chance at goal my foot sunk as I went to shoot and I ended up scuffing the shot.

“It’s no excuse for the defeat but it did play a part.We gave them a couple more goals than they deserved and their third goal looked five yards offside, which really deflated us.”

Boro have conceded 20 goals in their last six competitive games and have managed just three clean sheets all season.

But Foster insists the back four and goalkeeper should not be solely blamed for the poor defensive record.

The frontman, who is in his second spell at the club, feels the whole team is responsible.

“We’ve had a few injuries and enforced changes at the back with lads playing out of position. But it’s not an excuse and it’s not just down to the defence,” he said.

“It’s down to the whole team. If we can stop things higher up the pitch it would ease the pressure on them having to make last-ditch tackles or throwing themselves on the line.”

Boro, who saw their midweek Manchester Premier Cup quarter-final tie at home to Ashton United postponed until Tuesday due to a waterlogged pitch, return to league action on Saturday with Lancaster City the visitors to the Belvoir Stadium.

With just four wins from 16 league games, Foster is hoping 18th-placed Boro can get some much-needed points on the board against the mid-table side.

“It’s great to have a cup run and it’s nice for the club to get a bit of money in but it’s really all about the league,” he said.

“We’ve had a tough start and competed well with teams at the top end of the table but we’ve been unlucky with results.

“If we can get to our 30-point target early next year hopefully it will keep us away from relegation.”