BILLERICAY Town boss Gary McCann was left ‘gutted’ following his side’s FA Cup exit at Sheppey United.

Billericay were beaten 5-4 on penalties after the fourth qualifying round replay had ended 1-1 after extra time.

And McCann was extremely disappointed to see Town miss out on a first round tie at home to League Two team Walsall.

“I’m gutted on so many fronts if I’m being honest,” McCann told the club's YouTube channel.

“I’m devastated for so many people involved in the football club.

“Games like tonight and rewards that were served up on Sunday in the draw are for so many people at the club, not just the changing room.

“We’ve got to be accountable and I don’t think over the two games we did quite enough to win.

“We didn’t do nearly enough to lose either but we found ourselves behind in both games.

“We didn’t get in front and see how they reacted to that.”

Saturday’s match also ended 1-1 at New Lodge but it was the Kent club who struck first in Tuesday night’s replay with Dan Bradshaw on target.

Bradley Stevenson equalised for Billericay after the break to take the tie to extra time.

However, Town soon had Ben Wells sent off and McCann felt the red card was a pivotal moment in the match.

“We had a strange decision go against us during a period of the game where I felt you could see there was tiredness and fatigue in them,” said McCann.

“But the loss of that player played a significant part.”

Billericay battled through to penalties despite their numerical disadvantage but were ultimately undone on penalties.

“It’s a tough one to take and penalties become a lottery,” said McCann.

“We know that from past experience and when it goes to penalties it’s anyone’s really.

“I’m disappointed for the supporters who travelled and the supporters who turned out on Saturday plus everyone else at the club.

“But my remit is the changing room, to get them right and picking them up which they will need after tonight.”

However, McCann will first need to pick himself up after the defeat.

“My pillar of strength will be at home and Dawn will do her part to get me back where I need to be because it affects me,” said McCann.

“There’s no doubt games and results like tonight affect me but it’s not about me it’s about geting ourselves where we need to be.

“I’ll turn the page very quickly and we’ll get the changing where it needs to be because we have to and it’s my job to. The players who don’t turn the page quickly with me I’ve got a problem with.”

And McCann is now determined to switch his sights back onto helping Billericay win promotion from the Isthmian Premier League.

“Our remit is to get promotion this season,” said McCann.

“We’re not going to win the FA Cup but it would’ve been nice to stay in for another round or two. We had a great opportunity but we’ve got to dust ourselves down and pick ourselves up for two really important league fixtures.

“They are the most important fixtures if we’re serious about being successful this year.”

Billericay are fifth in the table and host Hastings United this weekend.