Ashford United manager Craig Stone wants his team to learn from FA Cup exit as they prepare for Isthmian South East opener at league new boys Steyning Town

Craig Stone says Ashford United had more than enough chances to still be in the FA Cup.

The Nuts & Bolts conceded an injury-time winner in a 2-1 extra preliminary round defeat at lower-league Redhill last weekend.

Elliott Romain scored a second-half equaliser on his debut as the visitors dominated on a difficult pitch but they paid the price for missed opportunities.

Ashford start their Isthmian South East campaign at newly-promoted Steyning Town on Saturday (3pm), followed by Herne Bay at home on Tuesday (7.45pm).

The league is the priority as Ashford bid to mount a promotion challenge, but manager Stone knows his side could have progressed in the FA Cup.

“It was a game of moments,” said Stone.

“We had quite a few 18-yard-box entries, quite a few chances, we hit the post, we hit the bar.

“We had a few back-post headers that we didn’t do well enough with in the first half, we had blocks on the line, we had one in the first minute where Jamie Mascoll’s put a cross in and Kareem (Isiaka) couldn’t quite get there.

“In the second half we were in complete control.

“We hit the bar with a great effort from Zac Whitelock, Jack Dixon had a header really well saved, there were a couple of goalmouth scrambles, then Elliott scores a great goal.

“In the 89th minute he hits the post from almost inside the goal and then we concede a silly free-kick which we didn’t defend well enough and they score in the 91st minute.

“I felt we started a lot brighter, we were completely on top and then a misunderstanding in our box from a corner allows them to get a goal and gives them something to hold on to and a bit of hope.

“I felt we were going to get back in the game, I felt we were going to win the game, but then as we’re throwing everything