A RYAN Denton hat-trick on debut was not enough to see Shrivenham through to the next round of the FA Cup as they fell to a 5-4 defeat away to Cove.

Michael McNally’s men travelled to Hampshire looking to put their league form behind them, having lost their opening two games.

Shrivenham held their hosts to one a piece at the break, however, defensive frailties showed again as they found themselves 4-1 down, with the visitors forced to play Kevin Coles in goal.

McNally’s men showed fighting spirit to drag themselves back level again but Cove secured the win to send them through to the next round.

“To go and score four goals away from home, or even at home, you should be expecting to win any game really,” said McNally.

“However, we didn’t start off well and gifted them a goal with sloppy defending.

“We’re not doing the basics at the moment and that is something I need to get out of them.

“They are young lads and hopefully it will come.

“If you have got the fighting spirit and they are all together then it can only get better.

“As long as they listen and try and take on board what I am trying to get across to them then hopefully we will start getting results.”

Shrivenham began the game poorly and it wasn’t long before they found themselves a goal down, but debutant Denton was able to pull the game back level before the break.

Further sloppy defending in the second half and a mistake from stand in keeper Coles handed the hosts a three goal cushion in the second half.

However, Denton completed his hat-trick and 16-year-old Fraser Little scored his first goal with a header to put Shrivenham back in it, before the hosts struck late on.

“There were a few positives and I don’t think we are far away from putting it right,” added McNally.

“I have spoken to a couple of lads and hopefully we will have a few more additions before next Saturday’s game at Easington Sports.”