Whitstable Town manager Jamie Coyle reacts to their FA Vase fifth round defeat to Cockfosters on penalties

Whitstable boss Jamie Coyle revealed they didn’t practice penalties before their FA Vase heartache on Saturday.

The holders were knocked out 5-4 on penalties by Cockfosters after a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes at The Belmont.

Whitstable beat Walsham-Le-Willows on spot-kicks in their run to Wembley last season but they couldn’t repeat the feat against a Cockfosters side who have now won four of their six ties this season on penalties.

“We actually spoke to the players early this week and said, do you want to do them?” said Coyle.

“They were adamant they didn't want to because we obviously had that situation last year in the Vase and won.

“I don't think you can replicate the pressure of 1,500 people being here and obviously the importance of the game.

“We gave the players the option and they decided this week that they didn't want to do that.”

Whitstable has already seen Bradley Schafer’s spot-kick saved by Cockfosters keeper Connor Sansom in normal time.

Nine out of the 10 penalties in the shoot-out were successful with Whitstable’s Theo Osinfolarin blazing his effort – his side’s fourth penalty - over the bar.

“We were against 10 men and had a penalty at 1-1, so we were in a great position to win the game,” reflected Coyle.

“But Bradley Schafer has been absolutely phenomenal for us this year. He's got 21 goals from midfield so he's been outstanding. He scored one last week and I think their goalkeeper's obviously done his research and he's put it in the same corner.

“He’s devastated but he’s won us so many games this year so you can't put the blame on an individual there.

“The penalty shoot-out is a flick of a coin and unfortunately it's landed on their side.

“I said before the game you need a little bit of the rub of the