Cuckoos’ fine start spoiled by cup exit

Yaxley boss Brett Whaley wants another early FA Cup exit to serve as a kick up the backside.

The Cuckoos crashed out at the first hurdle for the second successive season when thumped 3-0 by Godmanchester Rovers last Saturday.

To compound their misery they had Kyle Nolan sent off and saw fellow midfield man Scott Carter hobble off with hamstring trouble.

Whaley admitted: “Although we won our first three l eague games the warning signs were there and I can’t pretend the Cup result came as a bit of a surprise.

“It is hugely disappointing to go out of the Cup again, but we have to make sure it is not the start of a sticky patch for us.

“It needs to act as a kickstart and a few lads need to stand up and be counted.”

Yaxley go to Oadby on Saturday when they can reclaim top spot in the early-season United Counties League Premier Division standings.

Their FA Cup exit has led to a league trip to Newport Pagnell being added to their schedule on August 30.

Nolan now faces a lengthy lay-off as he gets married ahead of his suspension. Carter won’t be risked at Oadby.

Deeping also suffered FA Cup disappointment when bowing out to a solitary strike at Norwich United.

Rangers failed to have an attempt on target until David Burton-Jones was denied by the Norwich ‘keeper in stoppage time.