Seasiders' boss Stuart Boardley insisted his side should not be judged by the 4-0 FA Trophy defeat by National League side AFC Telford.

Felixstowe took a battering from the Shropshire side and Storm Arwen in front of more than 600 fans at a wet and windy Dellwood Avenue but brighter days are around the corner in a busy December, according to the manager.

Boardley refused to make any excuses for the loss and accepted they had been beaten by a better team but the measure of his side's success this season will be how they push up the league.

"We were just beaten by a better side from start to finish on the balance of play," said Boardley.

"We had a couple of chances when it was 1-0 and 2-0 and if one of those had gone in them maybe it could have been different but ultimately they showed their class and dominated us.

"Not just physically in strength and height but in fitness and worked hard for each other and coped better with the conditions."

Felixstowe, 15th in the Isthmian North, were second best in virtually every area by Telford, bottom of the Conference North, who have been rejuvenated by new manager Paul Carden, who tasted victory in his first game.

A Jason Oswell brace and one from Kai Samuel Williams gave The Bucks a comfortable 3-0 first half lead as they exploited Felixstowe's left flank.

Boardley made a tactical switch at half time with club captain Callum Bennett replacing Armani Shaar and the Seasiders and looked more secure, but could not prevent Dom McHale making it four seven minutes after the break.

Boardley said: "Armani has done a great job for us over the past few weeks but he is not a right back and the higher the level you go you really have to have a knowledge your position and your physical attributes won't get you out f situations.

"They caused us a lot of problems on that side of the pitch, especially in the first half.

"Callum has been out a long time and is blowing after that game, but it is important to have him and few others back."

Bennett's 45 minute contribution was deemed by the sponsors to be worthy of he man of the match award, and a Champagne style bottle filled with sweets.

The skippers return, along with an improving injury situation and more home games (including three in a week in December) has filled Boardley with optimism.

"We won't be judged on this result and days like this, said Boardley. "I have told the lads in there that it will be next Saturday at Romford when we will really be judged.

"That is our bread and butter and while games like this are good to have, they can be a distraction on and we know have turn our attention back to the league and look to start climbing that table."

"We have had a lot of away games and we are strong at home, so that, along with players coming back, should help us.

"Things are starting to turn so I'm looking forward to the games in the coming weeks where we can pick up a lot of points."

Bolstered by a good Telford travelling contingent the 612 crowd braved the stormy weather and Boardley was keen to pay tribute to them.

"Ever since I have been at the club the supporters have been fantastic and to turn out in weather like this says everything," he said.

• Scroll right on top image for more pictures from the game.

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