FORMER Lye Town favourite Kalum Evitts came back to haunt his old club as the Stourbridge Road side rounded off their first ever season in the Midland Football League Premier with an unimpressive 1-0 defeat at already relegated Tipton Town.

Although Lye dictated play from start to finish, they failed to puncture a stubborn and resolute Tipton defence and were duly punished for their wayward finishing when Evitts struck with a free kick just two minutes from time.

It was a low point for Lye to bow out on who now finish the season in sixth spot.

Joint manager Martin Thomas admitted the performance was a big disappointment and said: "We have to learn how to breakdown sides like Tipton who line up with a defensive formation.

"We must have enjoyed over 70 per cent of possession and to lose out from a poor free kick is not what we would expect.

"But if you'd told me we would finish sixth before the start of the season, then I would have taken it. Now the pressure is on to improve that position for next season.

"We are already talking to a number of players, but I would like to see all of the current squad remain with Darren Goodall and myself.

"It's a known fact that our squad wasn't big enough this season and we've struggled a bit when we had a few injuries."

Lye are also looking to boost their backroom staff and they hope to appoint former Huddersfield Town, York City, Scunthorpe and Kidderminster Harriers shotstopper Tim Clarke as their goalkeeping coach.

They have also been speaking with John Marlow who has coached Walsall's Under-16 side.

Lye are already looking ahead to next season and have arranged pre-season friendlies with Bewdley Town, Wolves Casuals and local rivals Stourbridge - all of which will be away from home.

Thomas added: "We are also in the process of trying to add one or two high profile friendlies as well, which we hope to announce soon."