HEREFORD manager Josh Gowling was left disappointed that set piece mistakes cost them during a 3-1 defeat by Portsmouth.

Miles Storey opened the scoring in the 25th minute but their League One visitors fought back and completed a comprehensive victory.

“I was really disappointed and I thought we could have got something from the game,” he added.

“We should have got something out of the game apart from the two set plays, but goals change games and the quality of the deliveries that they have got changes games.

“In the first half we were excellent but one mistake cost us a goal and that’s the levels.”

Storey admitted that Portsmouth tired them out during a professional second half display.

“Hopefully we can use it now to kick-start a good run in the league,” said Storey talking to Keith Hall.

“At 1-0 everybody was dreaming but it was a tough game and they are a sharp side. I think in the second half they tired us out really with how they were keeping the ball.

“We are a little bit disappointed conceding from two set pieces as we are such a big squad. I’ve been looking for a goal so to score was a big relief and I need to add more goals to my game.

Meanwhile, Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley said that Hereford proved how many good players are in non-league.

“We had to find a lot of character,” Cowley told the BBC.

“Ultimately we found a way. Many of our players have started in non-league and we know there’s a lot of good players at this level and Hereford have shown that tonight.

“I love, football, I love the FA Cup and this is raw, it’s real football and I thought the Hereford supporters were brilliant.”