CRAIG Jones has hit back at supporters who have labelled Westfields 'a dirty side'.

A number of Hereford fans took to the internet last week to criticise Sean Edwards' side following last week's Midland Football League Cup derby match, aggrieved that James Febery and Phil Glover were not sent off for challenges they made on Pablo Haysham and Jamie Willets respectively.

And their feelings seemed to be compounded by Edwards' post-match interview with the Hereford Times when he implied that the referee favoured Hereford.

"I was a bit disappointed with some of the comments from their fans because we never set out to hurt anyone, it's not in us," said Jones.

"It is a local derby, emotions were high and it was just one of those games where everyone was up for it.

"There was one tackle by Joel Edwards on one of our players, but it's just part and parcel in a local derby.

"I know Febs' [Febery] was a bit reckless, but as a defender, you're told as a youngster to leave a bit on the striker and let him know you're there.

"He's just an old-type centre-half that likes to tackle, but he never goes out to hurt anyone."

Jones, a former Hereford United player, was also subject to abuse from some sections of the Meadow End.

"Some of it was taken with good will and it's just football banter, I don't mind it," said Jones.

"When I went down with a hamstring injury, some did say 'let him die' but it doesn't bother me because I have been in the Meadow End watching Hereford United and people say that to players all the time.

"If I was in a serious condition, then I'm sure it will be different, but I don't mind it."

Westfields crashed out of the FA Vase last Saturday after losing 2-1 to Cleethorpes Town at the first round stage.

Jones admits his team are not performing to their true capability and they need to start winning games as soon as possible.

"It was a long way to go, but we got their in plenty of time and started the game really well," said Jones.

"In the second half, we got a nice goal from Gloves and I thought we would kick on, but to be honest, we bottled it and didn't really play.

"We pretty much created chances for them ourselves by giving the ball away, which was disappointing."

Glover opened the scoring in the 50th minute when he hooked the ball over the line from a long throw-in by Jamie Cuss.

But Cleethorpes hit back 17 minutes later when Daniel Trott drilled home before Marc Cooper converted a penalty after Jamie Saunston brought down Luke Mascall.

Westfields resume their Midland Football League Premier Division campaign this Saturday with an away trip to Brocton.