Newark & Sherwood manager Romaine Graham explains why he made triple first-half substitution against Belper in United Counties League Premier Division North

Romaine Graham says he could have taken anyone off after making a triple substitution during the first half of Newark & Sherwood’s 3-1 defeat at Belper.

The Highwaymen were 2-0 down when boss Graham took action just 26 minutes into Saturday’s United Counties Premier Division North match.

Benjamin Henderson, Luke White and Coden Duncan were introduced, with Kieran Walker, Ricco Spencer and Jamie Goddard making way.

Newark conceded again before half-time and while Kieran Cummings’ early second-half header gave them hope, there was no way back for the visitors.

“We had a bit of an off-day,” said Graham, who saw Tuesday night’s home match against Kimberley Miners Welfare postponed.

“In the first half, we just weren’t at it and at that point I thought I need to react and whoever needs to come off.

“It was purely tactical. It was a case of I’ve got this personnel on the bench who can give me this, I need to get them on.

“We weren’t retaining the ball enough and I had two on the bench who that’s their speciality, for want of a better word, and we needed more productivity out wide, so we went for an attacking wideman.

“No player is pleased at getting taken off in the first half of a game but I’ve spoken to them and, to be honest, it could have been anyone. At that stage, I had to do what I felt was best.

“We were 2-0 down and it looked like it could be more.

“In hindsight, I might have left it a bit longer and that’s maybe something I’m learning.

“I’m very analytical and I like to find solutions, and I just thought I’ve got to act now.

“We conceded another goal before half-time but then we had a much better second half.

“KC doesn’t score many headers but he got on the end of a cross.

“At one stage we were putting pressure on them and if we’d got another goal quickly, I think we probably would have got something out of the game but credit to Belper, they weathered the storm.”

Newark & Sherwood, who are 13th in the league, visit the side immediately below them this weekend.

They’re off to Gresley Rovers on Saturday (3pm), with Graham having watched their 1-1 midweek draw with leaders Eastwood.

“They’ve not had the best start but it’s always a tough place to go,” said Graham.

“A few seasons ago, when I was at Long Eaton, we were vying against them for the title.

“They get good crowds, it’s a proper old-fashioned non-league ground and the pitch isn’t the best, so it’s a going to be a difficult test.

“Potentially we’ll look to go a bit more direct and play our football higher up the pitch rather than build from the back.”

Key man White could be pushing for a start after making his return from a pulled hamstring as part of that triple change against Belper.

“He’s an important player for us - it’s good to have him back,” said Graham.

“He’s a good footballer and he brings stability to the side.

“We’ve had ups and downs recently and it’s no coincidence it’s since he’s been out.”

The postponed Kimberley Miners home game is set to take place on Tuesday (7.45pm) and replaces the scheduled away match against Deeping Rangers, which will now be rearranged.