Manager not expecting any hangover to linger following Diss Town's FA Vase exit
Diss Town manager Jon Abbott is not expecting any hangover from last weekend’s Buildbase FA Vase exit as his side prepares for back-to-back away matches.
The Tangerines had racked up three straight wins without conceding in the Thurlow Nunn League First Division North heading into Saturday’s home first round qualifying tie against Huntingdon Town.
However, that defensive solidity from recent outings evaporated as Abbott’s side shipped three goals during the first half at Brewers Green Lane before eventually losing 3-1.
The boss was unsurprisingly disappointed by the result, but the overall performance did not give him cause for concern going in to tomorrow’s trip to Cornard United (3pm) and Tuesday’s derby at Debenham LC (7.45pm).
“It was disappointing because we had taken some really good form into the game and everyone was feeling confident,” said Abbott.
“When you find yourselves 3-0 down as quickly as we did, you are not going to get back into the game at most levels of football.
Football action from Diss Town v Huntingdon Town - Owen Betts..Picture: Mark Bullimore Photography. (15969429)
“It is one of the strangest games I have ever been involved in because the performance was not that bad. We are not scratching our heads wondering where that sort of performance came from, we have just gifted them goals.
“We will not be losing any sleep over it because we did not play badly.
“We obviously wanted to win the game and progress in the competition because it is an important one, but we also want to do well in the league and it has gone well in that so far.”
One of the reasons behind Diss’ positive start in the First Division North – four wins and just one defeat – has been the form in front of goal of Ryan Fuller.
The striker – formerly of Wroxham and Harleston Town – has found the net seven times in just six appearances since linking up with the club in the summer.
Abbott said of the forward’s impact: “When Ryan came in we were confident that he would score plenty of goals.
“There is that pressure on him because he is our go-to man, but I think that he likes the pressure and responsibility.
“If he can get us somewhere between 20 and 25 goals then that should make sure we finish in at least the top half, hopefully higher.”
Fuller has been suffering with illness of late but Abbott is hopeful he will be available to start against Cornard, particularly with Charlie Webb being suspended following his dismissal against Great Yarmouth Town.
Lively attacker Kieran Hagan (holiday) will miss both the Cornard and Debenham clashes.
