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Leek Town manager Lee Casswell believes his title-chasers are more than ready to bounce back from their FA Trophy exit at the weekend when they return to Evo-Stik Northern Premier League action on Saturday, writes Michael Cope.

The Blues missed out on a chance to reach the FA Trophy's last 16 by the narrowest of margins when they lost 1-0 to Southern Premier Hungerford at Harrison Park and travel to Bedworth United in search of three points to hold onto top spot in the First Division South table heading into Christmas.

Leek missed out on hosting either Gosport or Nuneaton Town in Monday’s draw for the competition's Third Round at Wembley. While admitting that his side were enjoyed their run and disappointed it had ended, Casswell, pictured, insists they’re now fully focused on their promotion push and have already shown their character in dealing with previous reverses this season.

He said: "We are a little disappointed not to be in the next round but we’ve been on a great run and played some good football. Saturday was great opportunity to progress in the competition but we’ll take some good memories from the games we’ve played especially those against Brackley and Altrincham.

"It’s been a great journey but it’s gone now – it’s finished and we will now concentrate on the trip to Bedworth on Saturday in search of three league points. Whenever we’ve had a set-back this season we’ve always bounced back with a good victory so I’m hoping we’ll continue in that vein and bring home the points on Saturday."

Casswell could welcome three players back into his side for the weekend trip. Central defender Andy Bratt is available after completing a three match ban while midfielders Jon Sheldon and Glyn Cotton return to the squad after being cup-tied for the game against Hungerford.

Leek will be without Mitch Husbands who has returned to his parent club Worksop Town after completing a three month loan deal from the Premier Division’s Tigers. Officials say Casswell was keen to hang on to the young striker and hopes to resign him for the remainder of the season when the loan window opens in January.