...But now

Wanderers

can focus on

what really matters Disappointment: Isaiah Rankin fails to get the better of a Macclesfield player during Tuesday's Worthington Cup defeat. THERE was shock and disappointment on the night, an apology from the dressing room and talk from the manager of backsides needing to be kicked.

But, after the dust had settled, there shouldn't be any tears shed over Wanderers going out of the Worthington Cup.

It's a tired old line but in this case it is fair to suggest that, for the time being at least, they will now be able to concentrate on the league!

In fact, provided there is no lasting psychological damage, there is more to be gained than lost from the defeat at Macclesfield.

Last season, when they reached the semi-finals of the Worthington Cup and FA Cup then took their promotion push into overtime by qualifying for the play-offs, Wanderers played 62 games. Far too many in anybody's book.

Taxing

At least this season they'll have a less taxing schedule, particularly now while their playing resources are being stretched to breaking point by injuries.

And, since Wanderers are actually on record as stating that, until they reached the semi-final, the unfashionable Worthington Cup actually cost them money last season, they could actually be better off financially.

No team enjoys losing, of course and Steve Banks for one will be disappointed that a rare opportunity to mount a serious challenge to Jussi Jaaskelainen's claim on the goalkeeper's shirt was so obviously wasted.

Indeed it was the manner of the defeat rather than the defeat itself that was most disconcerting.

That the team and, in particular, the defence should capitulate so alarmingly after losing Mark Fish was serious cause for concern.

But Wanderers had bigger setbacks last season - the loss of their manager and their two semi-final defeats to name but three - and in each case Allardyce was able to rally his troops.

If they can put the Macclesfield mauling behind them, Wanderers might actually benefit from being the victims of this particular giant-killing.