Ford takes the positives out of cup exit

Despite twice taking the lead, the Puritans lost 3-2 against Kettering Town in Tuesday’s first round tie at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium.

Giorgio Rasulo converted two spot-kicks for United but the Poppies won it with goals form Brett Solkhon, Andrea Borg and Michael Richens.

Ford said: “In general, I thought our performance was excellent but the frustrating thing was that we lost. We were doing so many good things for so long in the game but then we got a bit too deep and stopped pressing their midfield.

“But when the second goal went in the one thing we should not have done was concede again. Had it have gone to a penalty shoot-out I would have fancied our chances but we have to manage games much better.

“I know the side is young but we dominated the game in the first half, had plenty of energy, had good spells of possession and created chances.”