So it isn’t to be in the FA Trophy this year, but Sutton United must now focus and re-group ahead of the return fixture against Concord Rangers this Saturday.

In all honesty, United were not at their best in the Trophy game, although it looked as though they would do enough to take the tie back to Gander Green Lane until a defensive error 15 minutes from time.

[United went down 3-1, with Kevin Amankwaah scoring the consolation].

It was a bad mistake, but we all make them and I don’t think the blame for the defeat will be put on any particular player.

The match next week will be a fascinating one from a tactical perspective as both sides will probably have each other worked out pretty well by now – the question for both managers is whether to change tactics to gain the upper hand or stay the same at the risk of being sussed out by the opposition.

Conditions will play a huge part as well with strong winds and rain being an advantage to the more direct Concord side.

United’s midweek tie against Walton & Hersham in the Surrey Senior Cup adds another element to the equation.

While the competition would typically be seen as a distraction it could be used on this occasion to bring some of the players coming back from injury back to full match fitness ready for the weekend.

However despite all of these things the players know the most important factor is how they perform on the day.

I don’t think anyone will argue that, although not awful, the performance was not as good as it could have been in the Trophy game – but a win in the league match is still definitely achievable.

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