Wake-up call

ASHFORD ERITH TOWN Paul Chambers refused to be too downhearted by this Macron Southern Counties League Challenge Cup quarterfinal first-leg defeat at Homelands on Tuesday night, Aaron Jeffrey’s 47thminute winner halted United’s 16-match winning run, spanning four months since losing against Lordswood in September. Their off-night was capped by defender Ben Jordan’s sending-off in stoppage-time. Boss Chambers said: “It was the worst we have played this season and the kick up the backside we needed. It was a good run-out for the lads and good to get the game on. “It’s half-time in the tie and we have now got to go up there and see what happens. We looked a bit a ring rusty, I don’t think we ever got into our style of playing and we also had four or five players missing. “We switched off at the back for their goal but we’ll be all right, we go again on Saturday.” Chambers saved most of his angst for referee Richard Joss, who topped and tailed seven bookings with Jordan’s pair, meaning he misses the second leg at Eltham in two weeks time. He said: “He was the worst referee we have had this season, made the game all about himself and was an absolute joke. “It was the same for both sides, I know the Erith manager (Mark Tompkins) well and we spoke about him after the game.” Hythe captain Dave Cook was a surprise inclusion in the United side, signed on dual registration in an effort to get more match practice following injury. Gary Mickelborough fired against the post, Sam Conlon headed over and Kieran Byrne shot wide in the first half, while goalkeeper Joe Mant’s fingertips kept out Rikki Cable’s first-half effort.