Hope: "The League Is The Priority"

The normal thing to do when a side sees its cup run come to an end is to reel out the cliche about concentrating on the league. And although Chris Hope was reluctant to resort to that analogy in the wake of the 2-1 FA Trophy defeat at AFC Telford, he admitted it was where Corby Town's attentions will now have to be directed.

"It's the standard thing to say when you're knocked out of a cup competition but there is an element of truth in it. We enjoy the cup and wanted to do well in it but it was not to be and we have to knuckle down now and get on with it, starting with Alfreton Town on Saturday.

"We have had a lot of tough games of late and this week we have finally been able to have a full week's training to reflect on things and prepare properly for the Alfreton game.

Returning to league action does not mean that the games are getting any easier for Corby Town however, with their opponents arriving at The Rockingham Triangle top of the league having won 12 of their fourteen matches this season, losing only once against Boston United back in September.

Alfreton will also be full of confidence having beaten Harrogate Town 6-0 in their last league fixture, whilst overcoming Kendal Town 4-0 in The FA Trophy on Saturday whilst Corby were losing in Shropshire.