King's Lynn Town manager Gary Setchell conceded that failures in both boxes cost the club a place in the fourth qualifying round of this season's FA Cup.

While Setchell was delighted with his side's display against Alfreton, Lynn paid the ultimate price for failing to convert a number of opportunities in front of goal.

Setchell said: 'In these big games you have to take your chances and defend right. On one occasion we didn't defend right, on another occasion we were let down by the officials and on several occasions we've let ourselves down in front of goal.

'The Alfreton manager admitted that their goalkeeper was man of the match and that tells you everything you need to know.

'If you had an analysis of the game stats-wise without knowing the score, there would only be one winner.

'The key thing in the game was in both boxes and Alfreton's second goal, which was offside, was a big game-changer just before half-time.

'We've come out in the second half and a lot of the stuff we did was very good, but we've missed four or five good chances.

'Overall we've had lots of possession and put lots of crosses in the box, so you've got to credit Alfreton for the way they defended.'

Setchell was delighted with the response of his players following the midweek draw with Kings Langley, where he gave his charges an ear-bashing for under-performing.

'It's not often you lose 2-0 in an FA Cup game at Lynn and get clapped off the pitch,' admitted Setchell. 'We were more threatening as a team. Both full-backs were pushing on, we showed good energy and just about stood up to their physicality.

'Fifteen of our 16 players were locally-based and today they have done themselves proud.

'I'm just disappointed that we are out of the FA Cup when we still deserve to be in it.'

Linnets midfielder Dan Quigley echoed Setchell's sentiments after the defeat.

Quigley said: 'The lads are gutted in the dressing room. I thought we outclassed Alfreton today, especially in the second half. We've had at least four good chances to score but it's the fine margins in games which affect the outcome.'