Magpies crash out of cup (05.12.02)

MAIDENHEAD United completed a hat-trick of first-round cup exits on Tuesday night, in a 1-0 defeat to Lewes at York Road.
The result also means the Magpies have won just twice in the last three months.
However, manager Alan Devonshire still appears to be remarkably upbeat about the current slump in form, praising Lewes for a job well done.
He said: "It was a good game. Lewes are a good side and they are a club who are going places.
"It wasn't a poor performance from us.
“The lads tried really hard and we had lots of chances.
“We just didn't make the best of them.
"I understand people's frustration because we started the season so well.
"But maybe it wasn't meant to be. I do feel sorry. It's disappointing. But there's not a lot you can do about it.
"We just have to take it on the chin."
However, United's erratic form has not been restricted to cups, where they have now lost twice to teams from lower leagues.
In the Ryman Premier League, the Magpies are delicately poised in midtable, being just seven points away from the drop zone and a couple of wins away from the top half.
Devonshire will be keen for his side to move in the right direction with some good results in the next few weeks, but they do face some tricky opposition.
Before the New Year, the Magpies must play Purfleet, Sutton United, Basingstoke Town and St Albans City, all vying for the lead near the top of the table. Even Saturday's trip to Boreham Wood promises a tough challenge, as the Hertfordshire side have recorded three wins from their last four Ryman League matches
Devonshire said: "We don't want to get dragged down into the relegation zone.
So it's important to pick up some points now.
"But we have always been a side that does better in the second half of the season and we're not even half-way through yet.
"If I'd known we'd be here at this stage of the season I would have been quite happy with that.
"There's lots of big clubs below us and we have games in hand.
"We just have to keep battling away and keep out heads up."
Devonshire's cause has not been aided by the loss of Steve Croxford through injury on Tuesday night, and the continued absence of Chris Elsegood. However, the shortage of centre-halves may produce a happy ending, as Berks & Bucks Cup Final hero Adam Durrant may be brought back to York Road early, having been on loan to Egham since the summer.
And there is also some good news on the goalkeeping front.
Devonshire added: "Richie (Barnard) will hopefully be back sooner rather than later. That will be a big boost to us."