AFC Fylde defender Dom Collins admits he was more disappointed than he expected to be after Saturday’s 3-1 FA Cup defeat at Millwall.

Dave Challinor’s side comfortably kept the hosts at bay during a goalless first half, but the introduction of League One Player of the Month Aiden O’Brien turned the game in the Lions’ favour.

Whilst the Coasters went into the match as massive underdogs against their League One opponents, Collins confessed he couldn’t shake the feeling frustration after a spirited display from his side.   

“For the first half I thought we more than matched Millwall. It was a testament to us that they had to change their formation and shape and then bring on their best player on at half-time.

“The first half went really well, but the substitution at half-time changed the game.

“Even after the break we dug deep and gave a good account of ourselves. There were some tired legs at the end and that probably led to a lack of concentration. In the first half we were pedal to the metal, getting in the right positions and closing down.

“The first goal was always going to be massive and it gave them a lift. If we had got the first goal then it might have been a different story. Rowey had a great opportunity and nine times out of ten he would stick a chance like that in the back of the net but it wasn’t to be.

“Their first goal gave them the impetus to grab a second and it was tough from then in.

“We were very disappointed after the game, which we didn’t expect to be. We went into it with nothing to lose, but came away disappointed not to have got something from it.

“It was a strange feeling because we were playing a team much further up the football pyramid in a huge stadium and nobody expected us to get anything, but in the end we possibly deserved more.

“The manager told us how well we had done to even get this far and that we had given a good account of ourselves and that we have to concentrate all our efforts on the league now.

“It was great to play in a stadium like that and a real experience for some of the younger lads.

“It wasn’t quite as intimidating as we thought it might be, but the atmosphere was brilliant. Our fans sang their hearts out and it was a really enjoyable day for everyone involved.”