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WHEN you go from how we played against Nottingham Forest to how we performed at Barnet on Tuesday night, it is of course very disappointing.

Against Forest the conditions were terrible. We had everyone having a real go and the boys did everything that was asked of them on Saturday. That was all the good things in football.

Sadly we set our standards then and they have slipped a bit on Tuesday night. Playing away from home at Barnet is a difficult place to go and it should have been all hands on.

Like the gaffer said in the days up to the game, you have set your standards and now we have to push on and keep increasing the performances. We slipped below it on Tuesday.

We had the opportunity to win the shoot-out, but out of four penalties we only made the keeper make one save and that is disappointing.

The lads know they should be hitting the target and before we took them we said be confident and make the keeper work. Only Miguel did that.

We actually fancied our chances because with big Czechy in goal, standing at about 6ft 3ins, we thought he would be very intimidating for their takers.

But it was not to be. Penalties are a lottery though so there is no way we are going to blame anyone brave enough to step forward and take one.

Funnily enough I think that is the first shoot-out I have actually been involved in in my entire career, which is quite strange.

The debate about whether cup-ties should be decided on penalties will go on for the next thousand years. I for one believe it is the only way of doing it.

At this time of year you have enough games anyway, without having to play cup replays all the time.

I think they have got the balance right. If you draw the first game you go to a replay and then if you draw that, you go to extra-time and penalties.

What else can you do? You could be playing ties all year if you did not find some way of settling it.

It is a big shame because I personally wanted Bristol Rovers in the next round as well.

A fourth round local derby is what the cup is all about. It would have been a passionate afternoon but it was not to be.

We have to put it behind us now anyway. We have to go to Crewe and make sure we respond the right way. We will already start preparing in the right manner.

I think the three new boys we have added this week will turn out to be very good signings.

I particularly know Anthony McNamee, having played against him when at Watford many times.

He has great skills and will be a good addition.

Moses looks very strong as a striker while I am sure Pat will also come on and be a very decent addition.

7:41am Thursday 24th January 2008

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