"At this level every defensive error you make is likely to cost you and we clearly have to tighten up in that area," he said. "You can't keep giving up five goals a game and still expect to win, it just won't happen."
Saturday's match saw Dalefield leading Hutt 3-2 after a first half which was evenly contested. But the second spell was mostly all Dalefield with goals coming at regular intervals as they constantly troubled the Hutt defence with the slickness of their passing and the efficiency of their support play.
Skipper Dane Lett scored three times from corners and among the other goalscorers were Alex Sumenko-Bucknell and Joseph Robertson. That trio all had strong games, and the return of the experienced Rowan Yeo to the forward line was a definite plus as well, as much for his organisational skills as for anything else.
In other premier division matches on Saturday Harbour City Tawa thumped Victoria University 7-2 and defending champions Indians drew 3-3 with Northern United. No games will be played over Easter weekend and Dalefield's match the following weekend has already been deferred as it clashes with an age-group tournament.