They went into the weekend's double header expecting to collect six Western Premier League competition points but instead, Barsonetone FC walked away from the two fixtures with just the one as midfielder Duncan Logan sprayed his side, suggesting the overall efforts aren't anywhere near up to scratch.
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Saturday's game against Workmen's FC ended in a 3-3 draw, which wasn't nearly as disappointing as the ensuing contest as Dubbo Bulls wiped the floor with the home side, putting away four goals in the first half before eventually claiming a 5-2 win.
Logan gave his assessment of the loss after the match highlighting the areas in which Barnies needs to improve if it wants to make further strides in the returning competition.
"We started too slow and positionally we weren't good enough," he said.
"Those first two goals, the centre back was up in the midfield and then our left back was standing on the touch line... you could have parked a truck there.
"That's disappointing because it's just poor shape and the boys know that but knowing it doesn't fix it. We need to get training and put in the work."
An element of the competition that might be overlooked is the interchange system and Logan thinks an unlimited amount of in-game switches disrupts the side's chemistry and makes it hard to sustain cohesion through a game and season.
"What I'm used to is three subs and that's it," he said.
"You don't want blokes missing out but it makes it a bit hard to compete when you can put a whole new side out there in the middle of a game... it's got its own problems I feel."
Dubbo's Sunday smashing started inside the first ten minutes as they netted an early goal before a Gareth Williams effort set the tone for what would be a dour opening stanza for the home side.
The speedster chased down a through ball that rolled for what felt like 20 metres before beating Max Savaro to give the Bulls a two-goal buffer.
The offensive clinic in the first half all-but sealed the outcome of the game and Bulls' skipper Kobe Rapley was stoked to see his side bounce back after being thrashed by Macquarie earlier in the week
"We got a bit complacent and slowed down a bit," Rapley said.
"It's just good to get a win after Thursday's effort and get back on the scorer's sheet."
Each side is only a game away from having played everyone once and Rapley's impressed with overall talent the WPL's got on offer.
"All across the board it's very competitive," he said.
"Lithgow have been as well so that will be a good matchup next week. It's a lot better than the local comp, it's different teams and a lot stronger... it's been a good test."
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