Hitchin Town manager Mark Burke says complacency wasn't an issue as they bowed out of the FA Cup against Kettering Town.
The Canaries had won 4-0 at Latimer Park on Tuesday night in a Southern League clash but it was a different story at Top Field, as a 1-0 win courtesy of a Tyrone Lewthwaite goal sent the Poppies into the fourth qualifying round of the famous old competition.
Burke though said the result was more to do with his side's performance on the pitch rather than in the head.
"I wouldn't put it down to complacency," said the Hitchin boss. "We just weren't good enough. We weren't as sharp as we were on Tuesday.
"Second half we had lots of possession in the second half but unfortunately it was either bad decisions or we didn't execute in the final third.
"They had one chance but that's the FA Cup.
"A 1-0 win on the back of a 4-0 defeat, it happens all the time. I was half expecting it."
Hitchin's best opportunity saw Jack Snelus put a good attempt over the top, punished further by the 74th minute winner.
And Burke felt they came up short in the attacking portion of the pitch.
"We haven't tested the keeper," said the boss. "We had an opportunity but we didn't hit the target and if you don't hit the target, you won't score goals.
"We've suffered because of that and unfortunately we're going out of the FA Cup.
"We tried to play around the back and our approach play was quite good but then in the final third, we either didn't cross it or we had a poor shot or it was off target."
The Canaries now face a Herts Senior Cup tie on Monday against Leverstock Green before hosting Stamford in the FA Trophy.
He would love a good run in that competition but knows it will be tough against another Southern League Premier Division Central side.
Burke said: "Teams at our level have got to the final but it is not impossible. It is still a tough task because Stamford are no mugs.
"They are a good team but it's just about getting back on the horse and putting it right."
Leverstock warmed up for that game with a comprehensive 5-1 win at home to Baldock Town in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division.
Archie O'Brien got the only goal for the Reds late on.
Arlesey Town had the weekend off.
Stotfold got back to winning ways in Southern League Division One Central as they beat Kidlington 1-0.
That came despite a red card for Mamadou Diallo on 78 minutes, picking up two yellow cards in quick succession.
Henry Snee had got the only goal in the first half to put them 10th in the table.
Letchworth Eagles were in county cup action as they hosted Colney Heath Res in the Herts Senior Centenary Trophy.
And they won 4-0 too.
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