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Echo News Blues skipper Ralph 'gutted' after defeat but focus now on getting right reaction

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Wanting to bounce back - Southend United skipper Nathan Ralph (Image: Lucy Copsey)

By Chris Phillips. Chief sports reporter.

SOUTHEND United skipper Nathan Ralph insists the Shrimpers will not dwell on their FA Trophy exit – despite being left gutted by the defeat.

Blues were beaten 1-0 by Isthmian League South East Division side Sittingbourne in Saturday’s fifth round tie at Roots Hall.

And Ralph is eager to ensure Kevin Maher’s side do not let the shock defeat ruin the rest of the season.

“It was really disappointing and gutting to go out of the cup,” said Ralph.

“The game was one we were expected to win and that takes you closer to Wembley and a good cup run.

“The performance wasn’t good enough and it’s something we need to bounce back from in the league.”

The Shrimpers were unable to make long spells of possession count against Sittingbourne.

And Ralph knows lessons must be learnt.

“It’s figuring out what we did wrong or what we didn’t do at all and putting it right,” said the defender.

“At the same time we need to put it to bed and realise it was a one off game that’s done now.

“We have the league to play for now and we have an outside shout at a play-off place.

“We want to make sure we keep a good bit of form in the league and see where it takes us come the end of the season.”

Blues are currently 11th in the National League table, three points outside the play-offs.

And Ralph will do all he can to keep spirits high.

“It’s hard because it does feel all doom and gloom after a result like that but it’s important to try and keep the boys as positive as possible,” said the 31-year-old.

“We know it wasn’t good enough but we want to try put it right by going on a bit of a run in the league now.

“Hopefully we can get as high up the table as we can.”

Blues are now preparing for Saturday’s match at Maidenhead.

But Ralph admitted the squad have spoken together about their Trophy exit.

“We spoke about it and it needed to be addressed,” said Ralph.

“We spoke about what we need to work on and putting it to bed.

“We need to be at it in training and have a positive week leading up to Saturday because it’s a big game.

“It’s one which was difficult the first time we played them this season and we want to put that right too.

“We’ll be looking to get the three points.”
 
This is kind of what you’d expect Nathan to say but maybe, this might just be the kick up the backside this team need. They’ve nothing else to play for now but the league. Plus he makes a good point about putting right the home defeat. They’ve certainly got lots to motivate them.
 
Maybe one day there will be an interview that goes beyond the predictable cliches and actually tells us something we didn't know but that is probably asking too much.
 
I was gutted to having to watch it. He might be able to forget it but thats going down in the history books for us as a Club failure.
 
Leigh_Seasider said:
This is kind of what you’d expect Nathan to say but maybe, this might just be the kick up the backside this team need. They’ve nothing else to play for now but the league. Plus he makes a good point about putting right the home defeat. They’ve certainly got lots to motivate them.
Click to expand...
That's "gone" or at least so far away in the distance
 
I have heard it all before. "Lesson will be learnt" "We know we were not good enough", that was so obvious to most people.
"Outside chance of the play offs" On that performance we have not got a chance. I fully expect a good reaction on Saturday but will we at the same level when the next game after that, comes along ( assuming of course there is a good reaction), I certainly would not place a bet on the result.
 
Load of guff.

He should have just apologised on behalf of himself and the entire squad.

Has Nathan Ralph actually ever won anything?
 
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