Justham ‘gutted’ as Town exit Trophy

Goalkeeper Elliot Justham was left gutted that Town’s FA Trophy adventure had come to an end against Cambridge United on Tuesday night, writes Mike Simmonds.
Elliot JusthamElliot Justham
Elliot Justham

Although the majority of fans weren’t overly fussed to see Hatters exit the competition with a 1-0 defeat to the U’s, Justham said: “It meant everything to the boys and everyone’s gutted to go out.

“The crowd might think it’s only the Trophy and they’re entitled to their opinion, but to us it means everything, especially when we’re out on the pitch.

“To lose any game, we hate losing, especially at this club, we hate it.

“We had our chance Saturday, held out well, but couldn’t get over the line.

“We could have definitely taken them to extra-time as there was nothing in it.”

Young defender Brett Longden, who had made three starts in the competition, was also annoyed to go out, especially with the prospect of a Wembley final.

He said: “He (boss John Still) was saying Wembley, that was the aim, we’re going to get there.

“So that’s disappointing as it would have been nice to get there. The result didn’t go our way. It looked like it might at the end, but just didn’t.”

Justham was particularly frustrated with the manner in which Town were beaten as Ashley Chambers’ shot took a wicked deflection off Ryan Inniss, leaving him completely wrong-footed.

He continued: “I’ve always been taught to go for the original ball and nine times out of 10 that goes off for a corner.

“We’re just unfortunate it’s trickled in. We tried and worked hard, but just couldn’t get into the game.”

The summer signing from East Thurrock did however take great pride in the fact that Town’s fledgling side pushed Cambridge so close.

He continued: “There was nothing in the game, we matched them throughout.

“Their keeper made a few good saves and we had an offside goal too.

“They’re a good side, they showed us respect by playing pretty much a full-strength team. It’s respect to us as a club and as players too.”

Justham was impressed with the youngsters on display too, saying: “Luke Trotman has come in, he was fantastic and didn’t look out of place.

“Bretty Longden at left-back was brilliant, Reesy (Ian Rees) in midfield too. There’s a lot of talent at this club and it’s being shown already.”

The keeper was behind a very young back four, containing Trotman, Longden and Inniss, and found striker Ashley Chambers his nemesis once more, after the former York player scored against him on Saturday.

Justham added: “He’s a good player, lively isnt he. Personally I was happy with how I did and we’d worked on it (defending) Friday and Monday.

“(Anthony) Charles was there, he’s experienced and led us well, I thought he was solid.

“Ryan’s slipped in well, we forget he’s only 18/19 and is a leader in himself.

“We all thought we could do even better than what we did though, but unfortunately, they go through.”

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