Morgan: We must get back to business after our FA Cup exploits

HERNE BAY manager Barry Morgan wants a positive reaction from his side, despite suffering their first defeat of the season last night, writes Stephen McCartney.

Bay’s FA Cup campaign was ended in a preliminary round replay away to Ryman League Division One South side Chipstead, who scored two goals in extra time to earn a first qualifying round tie against Chatham Town on 13th September.

But Morgan has taken the positives out of the two games against the Chips, especially as they were by far the better side in the first halves of both matches.

However, the Kent League side rued many missed chances during the first half of Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Winch’s Field and the same thing occurred at High Road last night.

Morgan recalled his star striker Stuart King last night, but was without Darren Marsden, who was up in Manchester on a course, and Rhys Lawson.

“I went into the dressing room after the game and I was quite proud of them, with the way they played,” Morgan told www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.

“The oppositions from a higher level and I thought we applied ourselves very well.”

All attention now turns to Saturday’s FA Carlsberg Vase First Qualifying Round tie against Sussex County League side Lingfield.

The Surrey side come to Winch’s Field currently sitting in tenth place in the top flight of Sussex County League football with a record of one win and three draws from six games.

But Morgan wants his side to bounce back from their only defeat of the season with victory.

He said: “It’s a big game for us really because you want to bounce back straight away.

“I remember last year, we got knocked out by Hayes & Yeading in the FA Cup and we got slaughtered in the next game at home to Colliers Wood in the FA Vase.

“They came and beat us 4-1 and I hope the lads get back to normal business after the FA Cup (defeat).”

Morgan admitted he doesn’t know how his side will react following their defeat at Chipstead last night.

He added: “I don’t know because it’s the first time it’s happened in competitive matches, but after we lost to Horsham we bounced back for the next friendly - I hope it’s business as usual.”

Visit Herne Bay’s website: www.hernebayfc.net

Herne Bay v Lingfield
FA Carlsberg Vase First Qualifying Round
Saturday 6^th September 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Winch’s Field, Stanley Gardens, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5SG