Metcalf rallies his troops after heartbreaking FA Cup exit

Wednesday 02nd September 2009

LORDSWOOD boss Kevin Metcalf will rally his troops ahead of the club’s FA Vase first qualifying round home tie against Crawley Down, writes Stephen McCartney.

Metcalf, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight, said going out of the FA Cup in extra time at Ryman League Division One South side Whitstable Town last night, left his squad “gutted.”

“We were robbed to be honest,” Metcalf reflected on last night’s 2-1 defeat after 120 minutes of football, having held Mark Munday’s side to a 1-1 draw at Martyn Grove last Saturday.

“Although they were two very close games, I think the difference was they had three or four chances and took them (over the 2 games) and we had eight or nine and never. That’s the difference as far as I’m concerned.

“Even in extra-time we had a chance to level it, through Nathan Nelson, at the death.

“They were two good cup ties, it was a real battle for both teams. I think both teams put on a good spectacle.”

Metcalf revealed that his heroic players were down in the dumps at the final whistle, having put everything into the two ties.

“After the game the boys were gutted, their heads were down and they were just sitting there in the dressing room,” he revealed.

“I perked them up and said ‘you’re never going to win the FA Cup, but you can win the FA Vase.’

Crawley Down arrive in Medway sitting in 13th place in the top flight of the Sussex County League table, having won one game and drawn three from their first six league games.

Lordswood, on the other hand, are rooted to the foot of the Kent League table, although they have played - and lost - their first couple of outings.

Metcalf, meanwhile, insisted it’s back to the training ground tomorrow night, as his squad prepare for the Crawley Down clash.

“I’ve been on the phone and spoken to all of my players today and they’re ok,” he said. “They’re still gutted but generally I shall talk to them tomorrow night, me and Martin (Telford).

“It will be business as usual, they can expect a tough session.”

When asked about the feedback from his players, the upbeat Metcalf replied, “The players are upset because we created quite a few chances and they weren’t put away.

“Shall we say that’s the positive and it is a positive that has come out because we did create enough chances. It was end-to-end stuff, all the supporters enjoyed it.”

Metcalf faces a tough decision to drop two players on Saturday, as you can name seven substitutes in FA Cup ties - but not in any other competitive fixture.

Former Chatham Town right-back, Brad King is back in contention, however, and Metcalf added: “There’s going to be two unhappy people (at training) tomorrow, but that’s the nature of the beast.”

Metcalf takes his side to his former club, Faversham Town next Tuesday for their third league fixture.

The Lilywhites won an epic FA Cup Preliminary Round replay at home to Ryman One South Merstham at Salters Lane last night, winning 5-4 on penalties after the game ended 4-4 after 120 minutes of football, to set up a all-Kent League bash at Hythe Town in the next round on Saturday week.

Metcalf is looking forward to locking horns with Justin Luchford’s side.

“I keep in touch with Justin, we’re good friends,” said Metcalf. “We shall shake hands before the game and no doubt afterwards and it will be battle commencing for 90-95 minutes.

“Obviously Faversham are flying high, they had a good win last night and I wish everyone the best at Faversham - but we’ll be looking to go there and get three points on Tuesday night.”

Visit Lordswood’s website: www.lordswoodfc.co.uk

Lordswood v Crawley Down

FA Carlsberg Vase First Qualifying Round

Saturday 5th September 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Martyn Grove, North Dane Way, Walderslade, Kent ME5 9XX