DEAN Stokes admitted his Alsager youngsters looked lost at times during Saturday's FA Cup exit.
With player-boss Stokes and the experienced Michael Walsh already sidelined, the Bullets were dealt a further blow when veteran Steve Elks limped off.
Then the score was 1-0 to Alsager, courtesy of Dave Whittaker's strike. But that lack of guidance took its toll, and Town capitulated in the second half.
Stokes said: 'It was very disappointing. We looked comfortable until Steve went off, but then we had no leaders.
'We should have shut up shot, and even at 1-1, we could have taken the replay. It was their cup final and they raised their game. Poor defending cost us.'
A 55th minute striker from Scott Bates, and the 79th minute winner from Caine Cheetham, sent the North Counties East League strugglers through.
Now Stokes wants an immediate response in the UniBond League Challenge Cup against FC United of Manchester tonight, at Radcliffe Borough FC.
He added: 'The lads won't need motivating for this one. It will be a test but we have to get on with it. I'm confident when we have all our players fit we will do well.'
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