ROCKS REVIEW: We're lucky - we have a chance to get over our hurt

Jamie Howell admitted the Rocks were gutted and hurt by their failure to land the Ryman one south title - but said they now had a golden chance to put it quickly behind them.

“It might not seem like it at the moment but we’re lucky - because we have another chance,” he said.

That chance comes on Tuesday night when Dulwich Hamlet visit Nyewood Lane in the play-off semi-finals.

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The winners will play the victors in the Whitehawk-Leatherhead semi-final in a final on Saturday. If the Rocks get through, that too will be at the Lane.

The Rocks are likely to be without Michael Birmingham against Dulwich - he was forced off at half-time at Chatham with a knee injury - and have a slight doubt over Kane Wills, who also took a knock to his knee.

But Conor Wilkins is back in contention after missing out in Kent because of a bad back, and no-one else has picked up new injuries.

Howell said: “Saturday was a huge anti-climax and there were a lot of disappointed people. But we can get rid of our frustrations by winning on Tuesday.

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“I’ve spoken to quite a few of the players over the past 24 hours and although they’re bitterly disappointed, they know it’s no good feeling sorry for themselves.

“No-one is more disappointed than the players themselves but they know this is their chance to lift things again.

“We’re entitled to believe we are one of the best two teams in the league. We amassed 96 points, lost the title on goal difference and go into the play-offs having lost at home only once all season.

“Of course we wanted to win the title, but if we can go on and go up via the play-offs then it’s job done as far as I’m concerned.

“Whenever things haven’t gone well this season, the players have responded fantastically in the next game. That’s what they need to do again, and they are determined to do that.”

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