BOURNEMOUTH Poppies crashed out of the FA Cup last night in their Preliminary Round replay against Dr Martens Western League Taunton Town in an emphatic 5-0 reverse at Victoria Park.
Following a fantastic performance in Somerset on Saturday, where Keith Williams' side shocked their hosts to come away with a 1-1 draw, a depleted Poppies were unable to repeat the act.
But a dejected Williams refused to blame his players, who in the end came up against a Taunton side who quite obviously had received a roasting from manager Russell Musker going into the replay.
"We just weren't strong enough tonight," said Williams. "They scored their second after an hour, and to be honest that was game over.
"We had a great opportunity on Saturday to win this tie, but Taunton were really up for it tonight.
"Nobody disgraced themselves and I thought all the lads worked their socks off, but it just wasn't to be.
"It's very disappointing, but it's certainly no disgrace. I'm not making excuses because we have got a big squad, but we had four key players out tonight and it was probably too much.
"They obviously had a stiff talking to after the game on Saturday and they've come here with a different attitude and done a professional job on us."
Grantley Dicks had given Taunton the lead after 25 minutes with Gary Fisher doubling their advantage on the hour.
In the dying minutes the Peacocks added another three goals, with Dicks on target once more and top scorer Anthony Lynch scoring a brace, one from the penalty spot.
Poppies: Scriven, Drew (Blythe 70), Owen, Coleman, Cuglietta, Honeybun (P.Staples 80), Dancer, Lucas, Kydd, Glenister, Town. Unused subs: Lord, Till.
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