Lydd Town joint-manager James Rogers turning attention back to Southern Counties East following FA Cup exit at Kingstonian
Published: 05:00, 08 September 2023
James Rogers said the better side won after Lydd Town were knocked out of the FA Cup on Sunday.
The Lydders, involved in the competition this season for the first time in their history, lost 4-1 at Kingstonian.
Southern Counties East Town were looking to bridge a two-division gap but their Isthmian Premier hosts proved too strong.
The K’s struck twice at the end of the first half through Andy Somo and Rudy Allen.
Substitute Tyler Sterling replied with a 25-yard cracker but two late goals from Somo ended Town’s hopes.
“I thought we were unlucky to go in behind at half-time,” said joint-manager Rogers.
“We’ve had three or four good chances and their keeper made some good saves.
“The first goal was offside and the second is a long-range shot that Connor Collins has made an error on.
“We made a good start to the second half and Tyler’s belted one in from 25 yards.
“We had a good spell of pressure for five or 10 minutes after that but we ran out of steam and their quality took over.
“They started controlling the ball and a few tired legs crept in but we gave a good account of ourselves.
“The better team and we wish them good luck in the next round.
“We’ve had a good run. It’s the club’s first time in the FA Cup and to get through a couple of rounds gives them a little taster.
“We wanted to go further but it’s a learning curve for everyone.
“I’m sure the club are proud of what we’ve done but the league is the priority.
“We want to make the play-offs - we’ve made no secret of that.”
Lydd host Welling Town at the Lindsey Field on Saturday (3pm) and visit last season’s Division 1 promotion rivals Snodland on Wednesday.
Snodland eventually took the title, with Lydd promoted via the play-offs.
Rogers, who has signed forward Johan ter Horst on dual-registration from Ashford, said: “We want to try and push on in the league now.
“Welling Town haven’t had the best of starts and hopefully we can put on a good performance.
“With Snodland, they’ve invested heavily.
“They’ve got a few players I’ve come up against before.
“Youssef Bamba on the wing has been at VCD and Ramsgate in Isthmian South East and he’s got good pace.
“They’ve got dangerous players but if we’ve got everyone fit then we’re going there to win a game of football - we won’t be going for a draw.”
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Craig Tucker