The Redcar boss offered his assessment on our Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round exit.
Redcar Athletic boss Carl Jarrett labelled an Emirates FA Cup defeat to Pontefract Collieries as a ‘first lesson of the season’ for his players.
His depleted Redcar side crashed out of the competition in the Preliminary Round after a 3-0 defeat at the Hunters Stadium, a first loss of the season following an invincible start to the league.
Disappointed to exit the Emirates FA Cup in such fashion, the Redcar boss offered high praise to Pontefract Collieries, upset still by the manner of the defeat.
“I thought Pontefract (Collieries) were very good at what they did today.” He said. “They were very ‘non-league,’ we call it. Fair play to them.”
Pontefract Collieries 3-0 Redcar Athletic
Our report as the Steelmen exit the Emirates FA Cup.
“I don’t want to take anything away from them. They had a game plan, they went long all the time, and it troubled us in certain areas.
“If I’m being honest though, if you look back at the three goals we conceded, they were poor for a team that’s unbeaten in six games.
“We are disappointed.”
Whilst not one for making excuses, Carl Jarrett was left aggrieved by a number of early setbacks.
Jack Blackford pulled out of the squad during the warm-up with a knock, Mark Anderson also withdrawn through injury before a ball was kicked.
“We’ve come across a few little things that we’ve had to deal with today, which we didn’t want to.” Jarrett said. “Changing personnel after the team has been picked.”
“I’m disappointed having to lose a couple of lads before a ball has even been kicked.
“I’m not one to make excuses though, I thought we were second best all game today.
“Things got a little bit better in the second half when Brad came on. We didn’t really want to test Brad today.
“At the present minute, we can’t get through 90 minutes without getting an injury. We’re losing numbers constantly.
“It’s annoying, as a manager.”
With attention turning back to the Northern League, Carl Jarrett admitted he had a job on his hands to ensure the defeat doesn’t bleed in to Northern League successes.
The Steelmen still hold down top spot in the division, and face a tough trip to fellow title-favourites Shildon on Tuesday evening.
“I’m disappointed to go out of the cup, but at least it’s the cup.” He said.
“I’ve just said to the lads there, don’t let this one performance hinder everything that you’ve done in the last five games.
“We’ve got to stay positive. We’ll have a recount on numbers before Tuesday, when we’ve got a tough game against Shildon away from home.
“This was a big ask for us today, no matter how good we’ve been playing, we knew they would be strong. They’ve shown that.
“That was our first lesson of the season.”
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