Gladiators boss: 'FA Cup defeat felt like the end of the world, we have to move on.'

Glenn Kirkwood won't be tuning in for the FA Cup draw tonight after a defeat that felt like '˜the end of the world' on Saturday.
Glen Kirkwood and Craig HopkinsGlen Kirkwood and Craig Hopkins
Glen Kirkwood and Craig Hopkins

Matlock Town’s joint boss is keen to move on from a 3-1 defeat by National League North side Altrincham away from home.

Despite taking on a club from the division above, the Gladiators created enough chances to win the game in Kirkwood’s eyes.

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“You need to take your chances and we didn’t take ours,” he said.

“We got punished and it’s really disappointing to get knocked out of the FA Cup.

“This competition gives you the highest highs and the lowest lows – Saturday night felt like the end of the world.”

Kirkwood is proud of his side’s progress in the competition, coming so close to a potential tie against a Football League club.

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“We did well to get where we did, we had a tough run to get there,” he said.

“It’s still disappointing though. If we had been outclassed we could hold our hands up, it might make it easier but we had so many chances.

“We could have been 3-0 up before they got near our area, it’s just one of those things.

“We can’t ask any more of our lads, they worked their socks off against a good footballing side who try to play the right way.”

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The draw for the first round proper will take place tonight but Kirkwood will not be looking out for Altrincham’s next opponent.

“I won’t be watching,” he said.

“It would make me feel sick.”

Matlock are straight back into action tomorrow night with a trip to Halesowen Town, which will allow them to forget the events of Saturday.

“That’s the good thing about our league,” said Kirkwood.

“We’ve got lots of games, we can put it behind us.

“We’re a good, young side who have been playing out of their skins of late and we’ve just got to carry on and try to get three points.”