Knaresborough Town fail to capitalise on numerical advantage during 'very frustrating' FA Cup loss at Heaton Stannington
Simon Parkes described the nature of Knaresborough Town’s FA Cup exit at Heaton Stannington as “very frustrating”.
The Manse Lane outfit lost Saturday’s first-qualifying-round clash 1-0 to a headed Sadi Djalo goal that arrived five minutes before half-time.
But, after Djalo was sent off in the second period, Boro had plenty of time to get themselves back into the contest against the hosts’ 10 men.
Parkes, however, did not feel that his players took advantage of their extra player.
“It was a very frustrating day because we came into the game with high hopes. We were six unbeaten, in good form, and we fancied it,” he said.
"The wind has had a massive impact on the game, and it was certainly a game of two halves.
"But going in at half-time at 1-0, we still fancied our chances with the wind in our favour in the second half.
"However, it is one that we have just got to take on the chin. Obviously, they went down to 10 men in the second half and we huffed and puffed.
"Did we capitalise on the red card enough? I don’t think so. We didn’t use that extra man well enough. We had chances, but I think that their level of experience and how they managed the game has got them through.”
Knaresborough, who currently sit eighth in the NCEL Premier Division standings but with games in hand on many of the teams above them, return to action on Wednesday evening when they visit rock-bottom Keighley Town (7.45pm).
This Saturday, they switch their attention to the FA Trophy, and a home showdown with Bishop Auckland (3pm).