JOHN Coventry, the East Thurrock United boss, has told of his disappointment at Tuesday night's FA Cup defeat.

His brave Rocks side scored in stoppage time of both normal time and extra time, Newby netting a super strike, to secure a 4-4 draw before being beaten 5-3 on penalties at the hands of Chelmsford City.

On Saturday, the two sides had drawn 2-2 to send the game to a replay at Rookery Hill, with Sam Higgins scoring in the final minute of stoppage time in that game, too.

Coventry said: "I'm gutted. Everyone's very down after putting so much into it. People are blaming themselves, Kris Newby in particular was distraught after he missed the penalty but he only has to look goal he scored to get us there.

"We're very low at the moment, but we'll be back up again."

Sam Higgins gave Rocks the lead after just 40 seconds on Tuesday night, before Robert Edmans pegged them back for City following a mistake by Jamie Riley.

Edmans then gave Clarets the lead just after half-time before Sam Collins scored deep in stoppage time to send the game to extra time.

Higgins then gave Rocks the lead five minutes into extra time, with Jamie Slabber drawing Chelmsford level in the 101st minute.

Max Cornhill put Chelmsford back in front with five minutes remaining before Newby scored in the 120th minute.

Covo added: "It's all about having belief. Desire and belief are things we talk about a lot and it keeps showing.

"There were a lot of neutrals there and i'm glad they've enjoyed it. It's a fantastic compliment to us that they are saying good things about what they've seen.

"The boys will be down and we'll make a point of training on Thursday being light-hearted. But they're a good bunch and we've got great team spirit."

Rocks attention now turns to their FA Trophy derby with Thurrock on Saturday.