Horsham boss John Maggs admits he's still trying to fathom out his side's inconsistent form.
Three days after Hornets secured their place in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup for the second year running with a 3-1 win at Bracknell they were nearly humbled by struggling County Leaguers Sidlesham in the Floodlight Cup.
Two goals in the last ten minutes enabled Horsham to squeeze home 3-2 but Maggs was less than impressed even though he did rest Gavin McGowan, Martin Lempriere and Jason Lillis and was without the holidaying Luke Gedling.
"To be honest we were a bit of a shambles," said Maggs.
"Sidlesham had a go at us, but it was embarassing at times. I don't know what it is with this club and County League teams but we always seem to struggle against them."
It was all a sharp contrast to last Saturday when two goals from Marcel Dennis helped earn Hornets a home tie with Dr Martens League premier outfit Folkestone next Saturday.
Maggs was heading to the Kent coast to watch them in action against Kettering today, but he already has some knowledge having seen Horsham beat them 3-0 in a pre-season friendly.
"Squad-wise they haven't changed much, but obviously there is a lot more at stake. We lift ourselves against better opposition and we're at home so we've got a chance."
Maggs will have to plot Folkestone's downfall without Dennis who has gone on holiday. But Gedling will return in time for Tuesday's Ryman division two game at Banstead.
St Leonards are hoping to get over the disappointment of their FA Cup defeat at Fisher Athletic by reigniting their Dr Martens Eastern Division campaign.
Micky Taylor's team lost 3-1 at Fisher on Tuesday evening, after the first attempt to settle the tie at the London club's ground was rained off with Saints trailing 2-1.
With St Leonards and next door neighbours Hastings Town both out of the lucrative competition, the two east Sussex sides are concentrating on the league.
Town, who are unbeaten and top the table, are already nine points and eight places ahead of the Saints.
Consequently the hierarchy at The Firs are hoping their new strike partnership of Dominic Barclay and Tony Reid gel quickly.
The duo have 11 goals between them but have only played one game together.
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