Corinthian Casuals Boss James Bracken rued his side's missed chances and the absence of injured striker Shaun Okojie as a solitary Herne Bay strike gave the hosts a 1-0 Ryman Division South triumph on Saturday.
Casuals had not drawn a blank in 27 games in all competitions prior to the weekend, but with Okojie failing a late fitness test and in-form Shaun Brown unavailable they lack of fire power proved crucial.
Juevan Spencer and Jamie Byatt were both guilty of missing gilt-edged opportunities to score before denied when well placed to score before Adam Woolcott scored with 10 minutes remaining from Bay's only shot on target.
Kevant Serbony and Maz Bettache both had chances to level late in the game and Bracken admitted it had been one of those days.
“We just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net. That sums it up really,” said Bracken after the match.
“Their goalkeeper has got man of the match and rightfully so. But we've missed crucial chances at pivotal points in the game.
Thwarted: Casuals' veteran Jamie Byatt is denied by Herne Bay shotstopper Jack Delo, who was named man of the match for his heroics
“I thought we were good with the ball throughout the ninety minutes. Defensively we looked good and limited them to one shot on target for the whole game, which unfortunately for us, went in.
“We're disappointed, but not with the performance, only the result.
“We have to remember that these boys aren't professional footballers and sometimes they're going to miss their chances.
"We'll come back next game and if we create the same amount of chances, we'll probably score two or three and win comfortably.
“In previous games, we've had a lot to look at post-match – formation, defensive shape and balance between attack and defend, but there's nothing really to analyse.
“Missing Shaun Okojie is always going to be a blow. He's our top goalscorer, but I thought Busy [Jamie Byatt] led the line fantastically. He competed for everything and worked his socks off.
“We'll bounce back just fine. This is a competitive league and anyone can beat anyone. We just need to brush ourselves down, approach the next game positively and get the win.”
Herne Bay move up a place to 21st in the table while Casuals, who host Thamesmead Town in the FA Trophy on Saturday, sit in fifth.
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