CHIPPENHAM TOWN: Rudge reflects on cup pain (From This Is Wiltshire)

CHIPPENHAM Town chief Nathan Rudge thinks that his side were given one of football’s harshest lessons as they suffered late heartbreak in the FA Cup.

The Bluebirds’ dreams of reaching the first round proper were shattered as they conceded an injury time goal at Gloucester City earlier today.

Darren Edwards’ winner put Gloucester’s name in the hat for tomorrow’s prestigious draw and Rudge was left to reflect on a devastating afternoon for his team.

“It’s disappointing,” said the Chippenham manager.

“It’s cruel, very cruel – but I said to the boys that that’s the realities of football.

“I didn’t expect to hit the crossbar and post in the first ten minutes and on another day, they would have gone in. But it wasn’t meant to be on the day.

“I’m proud of my lads but unfortunately, when you look at it after the game, it’s 1-0 and you’re not in the draw for the cup.

“It won’t hit home until half one tomorrow when they’re drawn out of the hat and we’re not – that’s the harsh reality.”

Rudge also thought that the second half sending off of striker Dean Griffiths was a turning point.

He added: “I thought that with eleven men, we were more than comfortable. They were getting frustrated and we were looking like the side that could nick it.

“I thought the lads were great but the sending off killed us if I’m going to be honest.

“The biggest problem is that we’re taking young lads and giving them opportunities and in big games, you need your big players.

“You can’t do that in a game like this – you’re asking for trouble.”

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