Reaction from Spalding United manager Jimmy Dean after their defeat to Corby Town in the FA Trophy

Frustrated manager Jimmy Dean admitted his side had let their supporters down after bowing out of the FA Trophy on Saturday.

The Tulips exited the competition to lower level Corby Town after a 1-0 home reversal in the first round tie at the Sir Halley Stewart ground.

It was Spalding's first home loss of the season on their new artificial playing surface as they struggled to break down a Steelmen side in front of a crowd of 627.

Dean said: "It was a great crowd and the Corby fans really turned out as well and it had the feel of a derby game about it which makes it even more frustrating.

"There was a good atmosphere around the place but we've let the people down who have come and turned out for us.

"There's no two ways about it because we didn't want to lose that game but we did.

"There's no qualms from me. Fair play to them and good luck in the next round."

The visitors came with a game-plan to stifle a Spalding side who had scored nine goals in their last two home games.

The Tulips did have an early effort chalked off for a foul and were thwarted on several occasions by some inspired saves from Jake Laban in the Corby goal.

Dean added: "There were lots of good chances in the game and their keeper has made some outstanding saves but I don't knock Corby at all for what they did.

"They probably weren't coming here expecting to win so they've set up to try and contain and maybe hit us on the break and it's worked for them.

"Gary Setchell (Corby manager) has done a great job of doing it but, from our perspective, it's frustrating.

"We have to make sure the FA Trophy and this game doesn't define our season."

Dean was also disappointed at the manner in which Spalding conceded the winning goal to Rhys Kelly's 77th minute effort.

It came from a set piece with Corby reacting first to score in a similar manner to how Spalding conceded against AFC Sudbury last weekend.

Dean commented: "We've got to identify this two weeks running now - free-kick to the back stick, head it back across and they've scored off it.

"We've got to look after ourselves better. We've got to take our chances and we've got to lock the game off.

"We can't tire of doing the right things. We needed to just keep the ball moving, keep testing them because we've scored a lot of late goals this season.

"We tried to force the issue. We tried to get an early goal but it felt like our tempo ran out in the first half.

"We wanted that back in the second half. We regained it a little bit and were in control but, when you're taking on a line-up with seven or eight defenders, it's always going to be difficult to score.

"If you do get one, it might change the whole complexion of the game. They might have to come out but we didn't get it.

"They carried their threat and we knew they were a lively opponent so congratulations to them but it was a totally frustrating afternoon all round for us."

Spalding return to Southern League action on Saturday with a trip to Alvechurch.

They remain top of the Premier Division Central table with many of the leading lights all involved in the FA Trophy at the weekend.