Badshot Lea co-manager Gavin Smith was able to see the positives after his side exited the FA Cup with a 3-2 defeat at home to Lancing in the preliminary round on Saturday.

The Baggies raced into a 2-0 lead inside 11 minutes thanks to two calmly-taken penalties by Kane Fitzgerald. Charlie Bennett pulled a goal back for Lancing in the 41st minute, and Henry Watson headed home at the far post on 49 minutes to make it 2-2.

Tyrone Madhani completed the turnaround for the visitors when he scored Lancing’s winner in the 65th minute.

New recruit Lamin Cessay – who joined the Baggies last week from Farnham Town – made a positive impact off the bench and was named man of the match, but the hosts were unable to find an equaliser.

“We set up with a high press, which worked perfectly as Lancing played out from the back and we caught them out to win two penalties and go 2-0 up,” said Smith.

“Credit to Lancing, though, because they didn’t panic and continued to play football.

“Every time they won a corner or free kick they were putting in quality deliveries and putting us under pressure.

“The third goal was crucial – and they got it to make it 2-1.

“We continued to create chances, even when we went behind, so there are positives.

“We need to be more clinical with our finishing, but we are creating plenty of chances.

“Kane Fitzgerald and Billy Oram played well together in midfield and have a good partnership going with Nick Medcraft. George Frise and George Hedley were also impressive.

“Lamin trained with us last week and made a positive impact off the bench on his debut. He gives us something different we haven’t got.”

The Baggies return to Isthmian League South Central Division action on Saturday with a trip to Southall (3pm), before hosting Ascot United on bank holiday Monday (3pm).

“Southall will be a tough test but every game in this league will be tough,” said Smith.

“There are no bad sides in this league. We need to be on it to get results, but that should bring out the best in us.

“Ascot is another game to look forward to – this is why we worked hard to get promoted.”

Badshot Lea have confirmed the arrival of striker James Beauchamp, who has joined the club from Binfield.