LYE Town were knocked out of the league cup with a narrow defeat at Alvechurch on Tuesday night.

A deflected effort by Connor Deards just past the hour mark was enough to see the home side progress.

Lye boss Martin Thomas thinks it was a game that could have gone either way.

He said: "It was a close game that was won with a deflected effort that has looped up over the keeper.

"That is the only thing that has divided the sides. It's disappointing to go out but someone had to lose. If it had been a league game I think a draw would have been about right.

"We were under pressure at the end of the first half but we then encamped in their half at the end of game."

Thomas now wants his players to end the season as strong as possible even though the club can't go up after failing to apply for promotion this term.

They picked up another three points last Saturday with a 1-0 win at AFC Wulfrunians.

"We want to finish as high as we possibly can," added Thomas. "If we finish in the top six it will still be the highest this club has ever finished and we show we are again heading in the right direction.

"It will be great if we can then keep this group together for next season."

Lye will now return to league action when they visit Long Eaton on Saturday. They will have to assess injuries to Alex Dallison, Ben Jeavons and Jack Pearlman ahead of the clash.

Thomas is hoping to bolster his attacking options with the arrival of a striker before the weekend.