AFC Telford United boss Rob Smith hailed his “wounded” FA Cup heroes – and backed them to bounce back in style from their Southend setback.

The Bucks lost 2-0 to the League One side in their first round replay at Roots Hall last night, despite dominating long periods of the game. 

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Two dazzling saves from Southend keeper and former Shrewsbury Town target Steve Mildenhall proved crucial as the hosts scored twice in four second half minutes to set up a second round meeting with Luton. 

“I wish I could take some enjoyment out of it but I hate losing and I hate the way we lost,” said Smith. 

“The two saves their keeper made were unbelievable and they kept them in the game. 

“I don’t know how he got down to the first one, I really don’t, but that’s why he’s in the pro game. 

“We’re absolutely wounded and I’m not sure we got what we deserved. People will look at it and say 2-0 sounds comfortable, but I don’t think their bench was that comfortable with 15 minutes to go.” 

Blue Square North side Telford now have to recover for the start of their FA Trophy campaign away at Gainsborough on Saturday. 

Their defeat last night brought an end to their 15-game unbeaten run, but Smith is looking for a reaction against a team they have already knocked out of the Setanta Shield this season. 

“It’s been an emotional time but we’ve got to get mentally right for the next one,” the Bucks chief added. 

“We’ve been on a massive run but we’ve told the boys that when that comes to an end you have to go on another one. That’s what we intend to do.” 

Smith also paid tribute to the 310 travelling fans who raised the roof at Roots Hall last night in support of their team. 

“I’ve got nothing but praise for them and it was a bit of a choker at the end,” he said. 

“I went up there to clap them but I had to get away quickly before I started blubbing, to be honest. 

“I said to Chambo (assistant manager Larry Chambers) that I couldn’t help thinking of when we managed Willenhall at places like Biddulph and Bilston and this was a different world. 

“It’s a pleasure to be manager of this club.”