Smith loss, but Lowestoft will cope

FA Cup fourth round qualifying replay

Lowestoft Town v Gloucester

LOWESTOFT Town can cope with the loss of Adam Smith for tonight's FA Cup replay against Gloucester City according to joint boss Micky Chapman.

Left-sided Smith has been one of the stars of Town's season and was arguably the best player on the pitch during Saturday's 1-1 draw at the Tigers' temporary Corinium Stadium home in Cirencester.

But with a first round tie away to Blue Square Premier side Wrexham the prize for tonight's Crown Meadow winners, suspended Smith will be forced to watch from the stands.

Chapman admits his absence is a blow for the Blues, however, he believes his squad has the depth top cope and someone else can now make themselves a hero.

“Adam's got five bookings this season, so he's out for a game,” said Chapman.

“It's disappointing to have Smudger out, you don't want to see anyone suspended, and he'll be disappointed as well, but at the end of the day that's football.

“We've got to deal with it and that's why we've got a big squad. We've got a quality bunch of lads at Lowestoft.

“One player's misfortune is another player's fortune. It gives another player an opportunity and we believe in our squad.”

Chapman is expecting a tough challenge tonight against a side who have only been beaten away from home once this season.

He says his side will put thoughts of the first round to the back of their mind to take on the Tigers, who play two levels higher than Town.

“We had a tough encounter on Saturday and it's going to be no different on Tuesday night,” he said. “We can't start looking any further ahead just because we drew at their place.

“They're a good side on the road and their form this season has been better away from home than it has been at home.

“We must make sure we keep ourselves focused on what we've got to do.”

(N) FOR a match report from tonight's game www.greenun24.co.uk