DANNY Cowley says Concord Rangers’ failure to take advantage of their best moments was the reason for their FA Cup exit against Mansfield Town.

The Beachboys manager was full of praise for his valiant side’s display, which saw them go down 1-0 to the League Two strugglers.

And Cowley said he was disappointed not to take the game to extra-time, as a number of good chances came and went for the underdogs.

“The over-riding emotion is one of disappointment as we took them all the way in both games,” said Cowley.

“We did all we could to score on Tuesday night but came up a little bit short but this group of players went toe-to-toe with a Football League side and that speaks volumes of their character and ability.

“We have a couple of good chances and dangerous crosses but this game is about moments and we didn’t take ours.”

The only goal came after an hour when Ollie Palmer slid in to score at the far post and, despite hitting the post and forcing Concord goalkeeper Josh Vickers into two superb saves, Cowley said the Mansfield staff were full of praise for the home team in the close run contest.

“I spoke to their management team after the game and they said the players said it was harder than any league game they have played all season,” he said.

“For us to take it this far is a special feeling and is a massive achievement in itself.”

A record crowd of 1,537 watched the match at the Aspect Arena, braving torrid conditions to cheer on the Conference South side.

And the Concord manager said the support was incredible.

“I am an optimist,” he laughed. “But even I never thought in my wildest dreams that we would see more than 1,500 people turn up to watch a Concord Rangers match here. This game really caught the imagination of the wider community and I want to thank everyone for coming here to support the team.

“The reception the Mansfield fans gave us last week will live long in the memory and this will too, it is just a shame we couldn’t get the result we wanted. This is a special club with a special DNA but we now look towards Boreham Wood in the FA Trophy.”