The Reds are bidding to stretch their outstanding unbeaten run in all competitions to 20 games when they travel to eighth-placed King's Lynn Reserves tomorrow (ko 3pm).

But, after being held to a 2-2 league draw at Kirkley & Pakefield on Wednesday, the Bloomfields boss blasted his back four and goalkeeper Liam Jones for a flat display.

"It simply was not good enough," said Laws.

"Certain individuals made too many sloppy errors and that cost us an important three points.

"Each of the back four and the goalkeeper should take a long, hard look at themselves."

Despite topping the table by one point and having a one-game advantage over their nearest rivals Soham Town Rangers, the Reds' last league clean sheet came following a 3-0 win against Leiston on October 27.

Laws said, "It has been happening for a while now and if we do not improve defensively in the league, we could look back on this spell at the end of the season with real regret."

Danny Thrower opened the scoring for Needham in midweek, before goals from Stone and Blyth handed the advantage to Leiston.

With time running out, Ben Cranfield's deflected strike restored parity and spared the visitors' blushes.

Following the midweek setback, Laws refused to rule out the possibilty of making defensive changes.

"There is a strong chance I will make changes at the back because I feel something has to be done if we are to get back on track."

Creative midfielder Paul Berry is struggling ahead of the away trip encounter at The Walks after picking up a knock in the midweek stalemate.

In a contrasting display, Needham roared into the last 16 of the FA Vase for the first time in the club's history on Saturday.

The 2-0 victory against Kent Premier League outfit VCD Athletic (match report on page 54) was one of the team's best performances of the season, according to Laws.

"From back to front we were fantastic, but we have to apply the same hunger and concentration in the league."

The Reds are back in cup action when they host Thetford Town in a League Cup quarter-final tie (ko 7.45pm).