Shaun Gale: "You learn a lot through games like that

Shaun Gale said the defeat against Winchester will be a good learning curve for the youngsters in his squad.

Boro are out of the Southern League Challenge Cup after a 2-1 defeat to Winchester City at Privett Park.

Gale said although he is disappointed with defeat, his main focus is Saturday against Yate Town.

“No one wants to lose a game of football, but ultimately, if I’m going to lose a game and go out of a competition I’d rather be out of that one. Fair play to Winchester they came here and had a right go.

“It was a night for young lads and less senior players who haven’t played to show to me that they should be in the starting 11. I don’t think some of them did that, so you learn a lot through games like that, but I’m not going to let that detract from the start we have had.

“It would have been nice to progress but my focus is on Saturday against Yate Town, hence why I didn’t use senior players.”

Gale fielded a young team which included the likes of Jake Wright, Adam Biss and Ellis Grant.

“We haven’t picked up any other injuries tonight, we’ve got minutes into youngsters and it’s a good learning curve for them,” said Gale.

“I said to the boys that they’ve got to be better when there aren’t senior players around, but I’m not going to go overboard. Goodluck to Winchester, they deserved it on the night.”

It was also a night which saw the return of Rory Williams from injury. The fan favourite has not played since 31st July after he came off at half-time during Boro pre-season friendly against Havant & Waterlooville.

Gale said it is important to ease Williams back into full-fitness.

“Rory [Williams] came on for 20 minutes, but we have got to ease him back in, we don’t want him to go and break down again. It was good to see him back on the pitch again, he is a key player for us.”