Ramsgate manager Ben Smith reacts to 5-0 FA Cup Second Round defeat at AFC Wimbledon

Proud Ramsgate boss Ben Smith insisted he was never going to change the way his team plays - despite coming up against Football League opponents in the FA Cup Second Round.

The Isthmian South East outfit insisted on playing out from the back as they were knocked out 5-0 by League 2 AFC Wimbledon live on ITV4 on Monday night.

But Smith was proud that his players refused to change their ways, even if it proved their downfall, particularly for the opening goal inside the first 10 minutes.

“There was no way we were going to change the way we play - what’s the point?” stated Smith. “We got all this way playing that way so why change now?

“I’m not going to ask my players to change the way they play next Saturday in the league so by changing things that just messes with people’s heads and it shows a lack of belief.

“You have to come here and have some belief to play the way we play, I thought the lads had that. The first goal was a sucker punch as I thought we started really brightly, we had a few forays into their half and you thought there could be a game on here.

“It was a lack of movement in front of Alfie Young, it looks like he’s made the mistake there but I actually thought he was outstanding. There’s times where you play sides like this, you kick it long and you’re under the cosh, camped in your penalty box for the whole game and it wasn’t really like that.

“We did have some of the ball. I am disappointed because we lost a game of football, no matter who we’re playing, as we’re used to winning but we’re immensely proud.”

AFC Wimbledon made only two changes from the side that played their previous league match, a 1-0 loss at Gillingham.

They got their rewards for not disrespecting either the competition, or their