SHAKERS' boss Chris Casper is determined not to let Tuesday night's FA Cup exit put a dampener on the club's continuing rise up the Coca Cola League Two table.

Feeling just as frustrated as his charges after seeing Scunthorpe United claim a disputed winner two minutes from the end of extra time up at Glanford Park, he could not hide his anger and disappointment at what he felt was at best an indifferent refereeing display.

"We did not get the protection we deserved throughout the game and were always up against it," he said.

"Leading up to the goal they were awarded a corner that never was, and then, when we should have had a free kick on the edge of the box it was not given.

"We didn't help ourselves, failing to take our chances, but to lose out to a goal like that and so late in the game was a real sicker."

It was not only the goal that infuriated him. Two of his players were the victims of wild challenges and then midfield linchpin Dave Flitcroft was red carded for allegedly being too vehement in his protests about the goal to the officials.

"Danny Reet got clattered just before half-time and he certainly didn't get any protection at all from the referee," he claimed.

"It was a deliberate two-footed challenge and the lad should have been shown a straight red card.

"Also, Simon Whaley may have a fractured jaw after copping an arm in the face inside the opening two minutes, so you can read into that what you want.

"I've seen the goal incident and there is no way anyone could have been clear about what happened; in those circumstances you give the benefit of the doubt to the defending team.

"That is why Dave and the rest of us felt so harshly done by. As for his red card we will just have to see what the referee's report says."

Another victim on the night was Paul Scott, whose fifth yellow card now rules him out of two games although he will be available for Saturday's home clash with Rushden & Diamonds.

All of which leaves his team selection for Saturday's return to league action still very much up in the air.

"I'm not too sure about Danny at the moment, we will have to assess his ankle over the next couple of days," he said.

"In fact as far as both Danny and Simon Whaley are concerned we'll just have to wait until we see the results of the scans come in, they are tough decisions to call.

"We will have to make at least one change because Flicker's out, but I'll just have to look at what my options are."

But if he is uncertain as to what his line-up will be, he is sure as to the approach his players will be expected to take.

"We have to be professional and move on, Tuesday night is gone, now we must re-focus on Saturday and Rushden & Diamonds.

"We cannot afford to feel sorry for ourselves, we need to be professional and completely focus on Saturday's game.

"We will use the frustration we felt to motivate us, we will focus those feelings in a positive way.

"Every game is a cup tie now. If we want to make something of our season we have to ensure that every game is played at that tempo and show the same desire and commitment. The best way to rid ourselves of frustration is to go out and beat Rushden. Once we start climbing the league onwards the top half of the table we will want to experience that kind of cup tie atmosphere week in, week out.

"If we can add just five per cent to Tuesday night's performance and we will have nothing to fear from any team in this or the division above.

"We're only six points off a play-off spot and its not even Christmas yet, so the next two games are crucial and could make or break our season."

Six weeks ago the Shakers emerged from Dene Park with a 2-0 win, thanks to second-half goals from Dwayne Mattis and Whaley.

However, that does not mean Casper will allow his side to take Rushden & Diamonds lightly the second time around.

"They are well organised and have not been giving many goals away recently and they have players who can cause problems, so we are expecting a tough game," he said.

He also believes that the '12th man' - the Gigg Lane faithful - can play an important part.

"The fans were excellent on Tuesday night, they really got behind us and we really appreciate it, if they can do that every game we will hopefully repay them by moving up the table."