BILLY Bricknell believes Chelmsford City must put their FA Trophy hurt behind them and concentrate on the league in the run up to festive season.

Bricknell put the Clarets ahead against Cheltenham Town but the National League leaders hit back with a hat-trick from Rob Dickie sent the Robins through to the second round proper at Whadden Road on Saturday.

“Everyone is gutted in there, that’s the worst I have felt after a game of football,” said Bricknell following the 3-1 first round defeat.

“We were on top in the first half and second half they had the wind, but when the decisions went against us every single one of them has cost us.

“There's tons of positives but it's just one of those things. Wealdstone come to us on Saturday and that's our main focus now, to get a good December in and go into the second half of the season.

“We have a lot of games coming up and if we can get our league form right then I think we’ll be all right.”

Bricknell prodded home Marvin Ekpiteta’s header from close range to put City in front in the 20th minute.

But Dickie restored parity in the 42nd minute when he headed home a James Rowe free-kick following a foul. Rowe and Dickie teamed up again in the 67th minute to put Cheltenham ahead following another foul.

And Dickie wrapped up the win from the penalty spot in the 77th minute after Ryan Jennings was brought down.

“We’ve had a good performance today,” said Chelmsford manager Mark Hawkes, “but what disappoints me was the officiating in the game.

“When you come away to the top non-league side in the country it’s already a difficult place to come without the referee having a hand in all three of their goals.”