One thing is for certain, though, the Green Lions will have to play much better this afternoon away to Newhaven if they want to progress in the FA Vase than they did a week ago in their 5-0 FA Cup humbling by Crowborough Athletic.
‘With any game, especially defeats, there are always some learning opportunities,’ said GFC manager Tony Vance.
‘Last week for me was more about some real naivety and lack of understanding, which was more the concern than the result, and we needed to get back on the training ground, discuss and reiterate what we are trying to do because we were not on it and we were found out.
‘It was a good loss in that sense, and the fact it came in the FA Cup and nothing else.’
While never happy to lose any game, Vance emphasised that the Vase is a much bigger priority to the club than the FA Cup.
‘You are never going to win the FA Cup or even get reasonably close – it’s a glossy sideshow – whereas the Vase is a more realistic target and that’s one we truly want to try and do well in.’
GFC will be missing Will Fazakerley for today’s tie, but Vance reported that he will be taking a strong group to face a Newhaven side who have played three, won two and drawn one so far this campaign.
‘They have started the season well and got some good results, so this is going to be a competitive game and we will have to be at our best to get a result.’
The winners of today’s tie will host either Roffey or Holland & Blair in the second qualifying round next month.
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