REACTION: "The Big Game Was Tonight" - Waddock's Yeovil Disappointment

DON'T suggest to Wealdstone boss Gary Waddock that his players might be forgiven for a feeble showing in defeat against Yeovil Town at The Vale due to matters in a different competition this coming weekend.

He was ticking after the match when reflecting on what he saw, talking to StonesTV.

"I can't see many positives out of the game other than maybe Mason (Barrett) and Cookie (Jack Cook) getting more minutes into their legs," lamented Waddock.

"Any other positives? I'm not so sure, I'd have to think long and hard about that."

He declared: "They have to respond and there has to be a reaction.

"There was when I first came into the building and there needs to be again. Saturday is an opportunity to put that right.

And the Stones' manager was unequivocal about what he felt the priorities needed to look like.

"The big game was tonight - it's as simple as that," he added.

I've made changes Saturday and today to freshen things up and give everyone an opportunity.

"Did they take that opportunity? I'll leave that with you [to assess]!"

So not tough to focus on a single 90 minutes with a game of Saturday's magnitude approaching?

"You can use that as an excuse [if you want] but I don't. I know deep down the players have an eye on the game at the weekend, but the next game in front of us was tonight.

"That's gone now; everybody's disappointed and no one more so than myself."

And now Marine in the Isuzu FA Trophy Semi-Final finally is the 'next game'.

"There's no bigger game for this group of players now, I accept that. But that's because it's actually now the next game.

"After it, Hartlepool at home on the Tuesday will be the most important, and that's how it works when you're being professional about your preparations."

So all eyes on The Vale for the second of three consecutive home games...this Saturday's huge FA Trophy tie, with a ground record attendance set to roar Waddock's warriors on in their bid for Wembley.

"The crowd will have a massive role in this game, absolutely massive; I've got no doubt about that," he agreed.

"But the players have to play a big role in it as well, alongside the fans that are going to turn up.

"We have a fantastic opportunity - and it's up to us to take that opportunity."