Gorleston deserved Cup replay, says boss Cockrill

Darren Cockrill was appointed by Gorleston in October 2022

Gorleston boss Darren Cockrill backed his team to 'continue kicking doors down' after their bid to reach the FA Cup first round was ended by Horsham.

Reece Myles-Meekums' late goal secured a 1-0 victory and denied The Greens a replay at home which Cockrill believed their performance deserved.

His side had beaten St Albans City from National League South in the third qualifying round but defeat in Sussex ended their hopes of being the first Gorleston side to reach the main draw since the 1950s.

"On this Cup run, we haven't had easy games - they've been really difficult and we've negotiated our way through it. The boys have proved to themselves what they can do, what they're capable of as a group - they can achieve something," Cockrill told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"Consistently, in the two years since we came in, we've kicked doors down and reached for high bars.

"The ceiling is not set for this group, we will continue to strive and as long as they have that work ethic we could have a very successful season."

Gorleston from the eighth-tier Isthmian League North went into the game with a depleted squad, which meant they only had three outfield substitutes on the bench.

Striker Christy Finch, who scored a hat-trick against St Albans in the previous round, was away on holiday, but team-mate Ryan Curtis flew back for the match before returning to Spain afterwards.

They were given a standing ovation by Horsham supporters at the end of the game at the Fusion Aviation Stadium.

"They stuck to a game plan and to a man they were on another level," added Cockrill.

"Unfortunately, the one time we were a little bit off positionally and we get punished. It was an absolute sitter and they didn't deserve it.

"The game plan was soak up what they threw at us and we were almost there. I can't emphasise enough how disappointed I am. It's a completely different game if we'd got them back on our pitch and we were so close."

Cockrill praised goalkeeper Jake Jessup for his outstanding display against Horsham.

"He's come back in, Trav Canham was playing earlier on in the season and unfortunately got a red card against Heybridge and Jake took his chance.

"He's an experienced goalkeeper, huge frame, he's got himself fitter and he was exceptional."

Gorleston are next in action away to Cambridge City, managed by former Norwich striker Jamie Cureton, before ending the month with three home games.

"That party's now over, there's can't be a hangover, we are away to Cambridge City next week and we need to start climbing the league," added Cockrill.

"I'm a local boy, my family have all played for Gorleston. If I can give anything to our current group, it's that when you pull on that green shirt it does mean something."