Everyone keeps telling me we've performed miracles here with no budget, says K Sports' manager Barry Morgan

K SPORTS manager Barry Morgan says it was a shame that his side exited the Southern Counties East Football League Challenge Cup on Monday night.

After being thrashed 6-0 at home to league leaders Chatham Town at the weekend, the Paperboys showed plenty of character during their third round tie at home to Deal Town, twice coming back from a goal down to force a 2-2 draw after extra time.

However, Ziyad Ghali had a penalty saved by Deal Town goalkeeper James Tonkin, while Luke Frost and Callum Thomas both sent theirs into orbit as Deal Town claimed a 3-1 win after eight penalties.

“It’s a shame we exited the cup but we played well and I thought for the last hour of the game we played some exciting football,” said Morgan.

“Deal are always very strong from set-pieces, they have some strong lads but are very well drilled.  Their squad has been developing for years now.

“We weren’t too threatening in the first half but after Saturday’s defeat to Chatham, we needed to bounce back and Monday night was all about shape and discipline.  However, I thought we looked very dangerous on the break.

“At half-time we were very pleased.  We knew we were in the game and more than capable of causing Deal problems in the second half.

“We talked about being disciplined and we’d get our rewards – and that’s what happened.

“We had some really good opportunities and I thought we deserved the equaliser.  We were playing some great football and you could feel it coming.

“I thought we had a few other opportunities to win it.  Going into extra-time I fancied us as we were the better side and we had the momentum.

“Deal’s second goal was a travesty of justice.  The referee pulled our player back for a free-kick to Deal when he was though on goal.  The linesman was five yards away and didn’t flag. He told us it wasn’t a foul and the referee gave a free-kick to Deal from 30-yards away.  They then score as a result of that decision!

“I shook the referee’s hand in the bar after the game – I don’t hold grudges, that’s football!

“Deal got what they deserved as far as the penalty shoot-out was concerned.”

Morgan has performed miracles to get the non-budget club to a respectable 12^th place in the league table, having banked 10 wins and two draws from their 25 league games.

“We have a tough local derby away to Bearsted on Saturday, if we turn up we’ll win, if we don’t, we won’t,” added Morgan.

“As for the rest of the season, we’re looking to win as many games as we can and finish as high up the table as we can.

“Everyone keeps telling me we’ve performed miracles here with no budget, etc, etc, etc – but I don’t believe that!

“We have useful young players here, who have come in and complemented my slightly older players very well. 

“I’m actually disappointed with some of our results against the teams around and below us because those games are essential in us picking up the wins we need.

“However, credit to all the players, young and older, who have brought into what we’re trying to do here. They graft and learn, that’s all I can ask of them.”

Morgan was delighted to be able to bring in former Rochester United manager Phil Miles as his assistant manager on 31 January, replacing Kevin Brown who has since left the club.

“I’m pleased to have welcomed Phil Miles on board as my new number two – the lads have taken to him already,” added Morgan.