Hythe Town manager Ira Jackson denies 5-2 FA Cup home loss to Littlehampton Town was down to lack of experience - and will steer clear of using that as excuse

Manager Ira Jackson denied Hythe’s FA Cup defeat was down to a lack of experience - and will steer clear of using that as an excuse.

Jackson’s Cannons lost 5-2 at home against Isthmian South East side Littlehampton in the extra preliminary round tie last weekend.

While skipper Ollie Gray returned to their starting line-up, having missed an opening-day Southern Counties East League Premier Division 3-0 victory at Corinthian, he was unable to prevent a physical Littlehampton overpowering Hythe’s youthful defence.

The hosts had to make do with two late consolation goals.

Jackson, 28, said: “We talk about experience, that word gets bandied about a lot.

“I don’t think Saturday was a lack of experience. It was a lack of intensity. Whether you’re 16 or 30, you should be able to follow instructions in the game.

“I don’t like singling out individuals but Ethan Cole, our right-sided centre-back at 16, was probably our best player.

“Lewis Allan at 19 was one of our better players, Ric [Keil] - at 18 - played well and Tyler Sterling is 23 and he got one of our goals.

“We played with virtually an under-23s side in the first game of this season and we won that. Then, we have brought in some experience and we lost.

“Ollie Gray is our captain so, if we do well, he’ll get highlighted.

“But if we don’t do well, he’ll get highlighted, as well. He’s also a defender and we conceded five goals.

“We want to go away from the whole experience thing.

“If people don’t do their jobs, they won’t be here - and that’s the same with me.

“A lot of these players haven’t had someone show faith in them and give them regular opportunities. But I have no doubt, by the end of this season, some of those players will have repaid that trust I have shown in them.