Mick Ward, the Flanagan’s Onions coach, “expects a reaction” from his players after their 9-0 defeat at home to PHC Zebras last weekend.

Onions were shocked in their opening game of the Premier Division season, with Ward admitting his side “lacked cohesion” and made too many individual errors against a rampant Zebras.

Despite missing several key players such as experienced striker Keston Lewis, Ward made no excuses for Onions’ lacklustre showing and as the team’s coach said he had to accept responsibility for the crushing loss.

“I think it’s the biggest defeat I’ve experienced and I was glad it didn’t go into double figures,” Ward said.

“For a defeat like that the coaches take responsibility for the tactics and preparation before the game and it’s up to us to rectify that.

“I hope it was just one of those games, and I think it was. PHC played a very good game and deserved the victory for sure. But 9-0 means we have a lot of hard work to do.”

Ward believes there are plenty of lessons to be learnt, both individually and collectively, from their capitulation against Zebras. He has demanded a much-improved performance when Onions face North Village, who opened their season with a 2-1 win over Boulevard, at Bernard Park on Saturday night.

“Obviously the players were extremely disappointed so it’s important we get the morale and confidence back up for the weekend,” Ward said.

“I do expect a reaction. I expect the players to want to improve, and to be more focused on the next game.

“As coaches it’s important we try to improve certain aspects where we should have done better as individuals and as a team.”

Onions’ shortage of players meant that goalkeeper Stephen featured as a striker after coming on as a second-half substitute against PHC.

But with a number of players set to return, Ward is hoping Onions will be at full strength against Village.

“Keston Lewis was suspended so he will be back for the weekend, and we were missing a couple of very influential midfielders who will hopefully return this weekend,” Ward added.

“So some players had to play roles they weren’t used to, which is why Stephen Gould ended up playing striker.

“It wasn’t an ideal start, with the lack of personnel and obviously the scoreline, but we go again.

“We’ve managed to add a few players but also lost a few.

“I’d say we’re probably in a similar position as last year in terms of personnel, but the goal is always to improve on the prior season.”